Exploring the Impact of Phase Configuration on the Operational Characteristics of Switched Reluctance Motors

This study compares the operational characteristics of a conventional three-phase switched reluctance motor (SRM) with those of a reconfigured six-phase equivalent. The parameters for both models were estimated and static studies were conducted using the ANSYS Maxwell 2D tool. The results show that the six-phase model outperforms the three-phase model, exhibiting higher output power and torque at 1500 rpm than the three-phase model. The enhanced performance is attributed to the higher number of rotor poles in the six-phase model, which improves the starting capability and power/torque generation of the motor from various rotor positions. The efficiency–output power relationships revealed that the three-phase and six-phase models achieved efficiencies of 85% and 79.2%, respectively, at the same output power of 1.5 kW. However, the six-phase model exhibited higher total losses owing to the increased fundamental frequency and added complexity. The 3D inductance profiles highlight the role of alignment in inductance variation, which is crucial for the commutation strategy in SRM operation. It has been shown that this study provides valuable insights into the impact of phase configuration on SRM performance, guiding future design choices for improved motor efficiency and performance.