BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to high rotor pole switched reluctance machines (HRSRM), and more particularly to a system and method for providing a plurality of combinations of rotor poles and stator poles thereby reducing noise and vibration in the switched reluctance motor drives.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Recent advances in electromagnetic simulation capabilities and power electronics have made switched reluctance motor (SRM) an attractive candidate for electric motor applications. Positive aspects of SRM drives include their inherent variable speed capability over a wider operating range, simple construction, robust performance, and low manufacturing cost. An SRM is a brushless, synchronous machine having salient rotor and stator poles. There is a concentrated winding on each of the stator poles, but no windings or permanent magnets on the rotor The SRM can have several combinations of stator poles and rotor poles, where the rotor typically has fewer poles than the stator. The pairs of diametrically opposite stator pole windings are connected in series or in parallel to form an independent machine phase winding of the multi-phase SRM. Ideally, the flux entering the rotor from one stator pole balances the flux leaving the rotor from the diametrically opposite stator pole, so that there is no mutual magnetic coupling among the phases. Torque is produced by switching current in each phase winding in a predetermined sequence that is synchronized with angular position of the rotor. In this way, a magnetic force of attraction results between the rotor poles and stator poles that are approaching each other. The current is switched off in each phase before the rotor poles nearest the stator poles of that phase rotate past the aligned position, thereby preventing the magnetic force of attraction from producing a negative or braking torque. Hence, by properly energizing the phase windings relative to rotor angle, forward or reverse operation and motoring or generating operation can be obtained.

[0003] Compared to a conventional SRM, the HRSRM has higher static torque capability, which effectively addresses torque ripple and acoustic noise. The design parameters of the power converters of SRMs and HRSRMs differ. This is because the HRSRM has a different inductance profde and a higher number of strokes. Most reliable techniques for the conventional HRSRM utilize the self-inductance of the phase coil to estimate position. The HRSRM has a higher number of rotor poles for the same circumference as a conventional SRM. The higher number of rotor poles reduces the angular travel per excitation. However, the larger number of rotor poles lead to a smaller gap and the arc length (or angular length) between two rotor poles is smaller. As a result, the self-inductance profde for the HRSRM becomes flatter which leads to unreliable position estimation.

[0004] Another conventional approach describes a switched reluctance machine; whether operated as a motor, generator, or both; having a new relationship between the number of stator poles and rotor poles so as to provide a SRM with a minimal amount of torque ripple and acoustic noise while providing improved power density and torque production. This invention provides a SRM having a salient rotor and stator pole numerical relationship of S number of stator poles, where S>2, and R number of rotor poles, which can be expressed as R=2S 2, such as an S/R pole count in a 6/10, 8/14, or 10/18 configuration. Also, while the invention is described in relation to an exemplary form of rotary machines, it is equally applicable to other forms of rotary machines and to linear and inverted machines as well. Though, the approach describes one specific formula, which describes only one possible number for rotor poles for a given number of stator poles. As an example, 16 stator poles would lead to 30 rotor poles.

[0005] Another approach describes an SRM that supports one or more phases, each phase comprising a stator, a rotor and coils. The stator is hollow, cylindrical and comprises stator poles extending inwards, such that a recess is formed between adjacent stator poles. The coils are wound on the stator poles and occupy the recess. The rotor is positioned inside the stator and has poles extending outwards. The rotor and stator poles subtend an angle having a maximum value of 0.5 electrical pole pitches at a center of rotation. The different phases are distributed along the axis of the SRM. The rotor is rotated by a reluctance torque generated by energizing a phase in a current controlled manner until the rotor rotates through a minimum commutation angle required to maintain motion; de-energizing the phase by freewheeling it by using the energy stored in it and simultaneously energizing a second sequentially adjacent phase. This conventional approach only duplicates combinations of rotor and stator and does not present any relation between the magnetic circuit (flux path) and the number of stator or rotor poles in the machine.

[0006] Yet another approach describes a two-phase switched reluctance machine, the machine using discontinuous core structures as the stator for effective use as part of low-cost, high-performance drives. This discontinuous stator core structure contains short flux paths and maximum overlap between the rotor poles and stator poles in the stator discontinuous core structures, regardless of the rotor position. Example configurations of such core structure include E-core, L-core and I-core configurations. Using less steel and magnet wire than in conventional SRM designs results in cost savings of stator material and winding material. Efficiency of this novel SRM is improved because of shorter flux paths resulting in reduction of core losses and decreased phase resistance resulting in reduction of copper losses. Two-phase simultaneous excitation of the novel SRM can reduce torque ripple during commutation as compared with existing two-phase SRMs. This conventional approach introduces one more geometric shape for the HRSRM with reduced stator, however, it does not show any electromagnetic relation that can be used to predict different configurations.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine

(HRSRM) comprising a higher number of rotor poles than stator poles and which would be capable of addressing the issues of high torque ripple and acoustic noise. Such a switched reluctance machine would enable a minimal amount of torque ripple and would further enhance torque quality of the machine. Such an HRSRM would provide a plurality of combinations of the rotor poles and stator poles utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a specific mathematical formula. Such a machine would facilitate improved noise performance and design flexibility. The present embodiment overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings in this area by accomplishing these critical objectives. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] To minimize the limitations found in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon the reading of this specification, the present invention is a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM) comprising a stator including a plurality of stator poles and a rotor including a plurality of rotor poles, and which provides a plurality of combinations of the rotor poles and stator poles utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula:

R _o = 2S„ - F _p;

such that S _n = m x F _p , F _p > 2, m > 1 and m and F _p are independent variables wherein R _n is the number of rotor poles, S _n is the number of stator poles, F _p is the maximum number of independent flux paths in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned, and m is the number of phases.

[0009] The present invention relates to a switched reluctance machine (SRM) in which noise and vibration generated can be reduced through an improvement of the rotor pole / stator pole configuration. The improved configuration provides a higher rate of change of inductance with respect to rotor position, which can improve the torque quality of the machine. The proposed formulation presents a mathematical formulation, with a specific number of stator and rotor poles for a chosen m and F _p , which provides improved noise performance and design flexibility. In one example, when m = 4, a machine with four phases and F _p = 4, which represents a machine with four possible independent flux paths, resulting in a 16/28 SRM. The embodiment of this formulation may be described by several other viable combinations of stator poles and rotor poles. Utilizing the proposed formulation, it is possible to design machines with varying number of phases and stator/rotor configurations. The present invention provides an SRM with applications for both rotary or linear designs, and which comprises a relationship between the number of stator poles and rotor poles so as to provide an SRM with a minimal amount of torque ripple and acoustic noise while providing improved power density and torque production. In particular, the present invention provides an SRM having a salient rotor and stator pole numerical relationship of Sn number of stator poles, and Rn number of rotor poles, which can be expressed as Rn=2Sn-Fp, such as a machine with a Sn/Rn pole count in a 16/28 configuration. The present invention provides an SRM, whether operated as a motor, generator, or both. The proposed topologies have the highest inductance when aligned and the lowest at unaligned positions, much like a conventional SRM. All conventional power electronic converters and control strategies adopted for conventional SRMs may be applied to the proposed SRM. The proposed SRM exhibits a smoother torque profile due to the higher number of strokes per revolution. This offers better peak and average torque profiles relative to conventional SRMs.

[00010] A first objective of the present invention is to provide an HRSRM with reduced noise properties and vibration levels generated from the machine during operation.

[00011] A second objective of the present invention is to provide an HRSRM with minimal amount of torque ripple and enhanced torque quality of the machine as compared to conventional SRMs and HRSRMs.

[00012] A third objective of the present invention is to provide an HRSRM with high power density and torque.

[00013] A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide an HRSRM with varying number of phases.

[00014] A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide an HRSRM with a plurality of combinations of the rotor poles and stator poles utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula.

[00015] A sixth ob _j ective of the present invention is to provide an HRSRM exhibiting high reliability and efficiency, thereby reducing the consumer cost of such motors.

[00016] A seventh objective of the present invention is to present a mathematical design formulation that takes into account independent flux paths in an HRSRM.

[00017] These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00018] Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention. Thus, the drawings are generalized in form in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[00019] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the attached charts and figures, wherein:

[00020] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a switched reluctance motor;

[00021] FIG. 2 illustrates a 16/28 SRM as an example of the proposed formulation;

[00022] FIG. 3 is a 3-D view of the 16/28 SRM as an example of the proposed formulation;

[00023] FIG. 4A illustrates 16 stator poles of the 16/28 SRM without coils and rotor assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[00024] FIG. 4B illustrates 28 rotor poles for the 16/28 SRM without stator assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[00025] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the coil configuration in the 16/28 SRM that can be modified to allow four independent short-flux paths;

[00026] FIG. 5C shows a finite element analysis simulation of 16/28 SRM showing an alternate winding combination; and

[00027] FIG. 6 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for estimating number of rotor poles for a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[00028] In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustrating specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[00029] Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or only address one or more of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below. The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing which does not limit the scope and the ambit of the invention. In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustrating specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[00030] The present invention rovides a plurality of combinations of the rotor poles and stator poles utilizing a numerical relationship defined by a mathematical formula:

R _n = 2S _n - F _p;

Where S _n = m x F _p , F _p > 2, m > 1 and m and F _p are independent variables, R _n is the number of rotor poles, S _n is the number of stator poles, F _p represents the maximum number of independent flux paths in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned AND F _p > 2, m is the number of phases AND m > 1 and m and F _p are independent variables.

[00031] Turning first to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional view of a switched reluctance motor 100 is illustrated. The switched reluctance motor 100 includes a stator 102 and a rotor 104 that rotates inside the stator 102. The stator 102 includes a plurality of stator poles 106 and the rotor 104 includes a plurality of rotor poles 108. As the rotor 104 rotates, an airgap 110 separates stator poles 106 from rotor poles 108. The switched reluctance motor 100 shown in FIG. 1 is referred to as an 8/6 SRM since stator 102 includes eight stator poles 106 and rotor 104 includes six rotor poles 108. Other viable combinations of the stator poles and rotor poles of the switched reluctance motor 100, and may benefit from the teachings of the invention. A winding 112, for example a copper winding, is wound around each stator pole 16. The windings 112 on diametrically opposite pairs of the stator poles 106 are connected in series or in parallel. Phase currents are sent through the windings 112 on pairs of stator poles 106 connected in series or in parallel, and are turned on and off based on the angular position of the rotor 104 with respect to the stator 102. [00032] Electromagnetic torque is produced in switched reluctance motor 100 by the attraction of rotor pole(s) 108 to the excited stator pole(s) 106. For example, exciting the stator poles 106 by turning on a current through the windings 112 on stator poles 106 creates an electromagnetic force density in air gaps 110. Due to a tangential component of this electromagnetic force density, a rotor pole 108 near stator pole 106 is attracted to the stator pole 106. Likewise, the diametrically opposite rotor pole 108 near the stator pole 106 is attracted to, and attempts to align itself with, the stator pole 106. Thus, an electromagnetic torque force is produced, turning the rotor 104 counter-clockwise.

[00033] FIG. 2 illustrates a 16/28 SRM as an example of the proposed formulation with 16 concentrated stator coil-stator poles 106 and 28 rotor poles 108. FIG. 3 illustrates a 3-D view of 16/28 SRM as an example of the proposed formulation showing rotor and stator with 16 concentrated stator coil-stator poles 106 and 28 rotor poles 108.

[00034] FIG. 4A shows 16 stator poles 106 of the 16/28 SRM without coils and rotor assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B shows 28 rotor poles 108 for the 16/28 SRM without stator assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[00035] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the coil configuration in the 16/28 SRM that can be modified to allow four independent short-flux paths 140A - 140D. FIG. 5A shows a finite element analysis simulation of 16/28 SRM showing two independent flux paths 140A and 140B, second quadrant 132 and fourth quadrant 136 in the machine. FIG. 5B shows a finite element analysis simulation of 16/28 SRM showing two other independent flux paths 140C and 140D, first quadrant 130 and third quadrant 134 in the machine. FIG. 5C shows a finite element analysis simulation of 16/28 SRM showing an alternate winding combination, also leading to four independent flux paths 140E, 140F, 140G and 140H in the machine. In yet another embodiment, the SRM is of the external-rotor internal-stator design.

[00036] As shown in FIG. 6, a method for estimating number of rotor poles for a high rotor pole switched reluctance machine (HRSRM) comprising a rotor including a plurality of rotor poles and a stator including a plurality of stator poles each having a plurality of windings is disclosed. A first step at FIG 6 involves providing the HRSRM comprising a rotor including a plurality of rotor poles and a stator including a plurality of stator poles each having a plurality of windings as shown in block 152. Then, energizing at least one stator pole, wherein each of the windings of the remainder of the stator poles is in an open circuit state as illustrated in block 154. Current is applied to the at least one stator pole as illustrated in block 156. Next, inducing a magnetic flux, the magnetic flux follows a path through the plurality of stator poles as shown in block 158. Storing a maximum number of independent flux paths (F _p) in the stator when stator and rotor poles are fully aligned as illustrated in block 160. Then, calculating a number of phases (m) as illustrated in block 162. Finally, determining a number of stator poles (S _n) utilizing a mathematical formula, S _n = m x F _p , wherein F _p > 2, m > 1, m and F _p are independent variables is illustrated in block 164. Thus, estimating the number of rotor poles (R _n ) utilizing a mathematical formula, R _n = 2S _n - F _p is accomplished as illustrated in block 166

[00037] The present invention relates to a switched reluctance machine (SRM) in which noise and vibration generated can be reduced through an improvement of the rotor pole / stator pole configuration. The improved configuration provides a higher rate of change of inductance with respect to rotor position, which can improve the torque quality of the machine. The system provides a switched reluctance machine having salient rotor poles and stator poles in a numerical relationship. The proposed formulation presents a mathematical formulation, with a specific number of stator and rotor poles for a chosen m and Fp, which provides improved noise performance and design flexibility. In one example, when m = 4, a machine with four phases and Fp = 4 a machine with four possible independent flux paths, a 16/28 SRM results.

Table 1: Some, but not all viable combinations of stator poles and rotor poles using the proposed formulation with m =4 are as follows:

Table 1

[00038] The embodiment of this formulation can be described by several other viable combinations of stator poles and rotor poles. Utilizing the proposed formulation, it is possible to design machines with varying number of phases and stator/rotor configurations. The present invention provides an SRM with applications for both rotary or linear designs, and which comprises a relationship between the number of stator poles and rotor poles so as to provide an SRM with a minimal amount of torque ripple and acoustic noise while providing improved power density and torque production. In particular, the present invention provides an SRM having a salient rotor and stator pole numerical relationship of number of stator poles Sn, and number of rotor poles Rn, which can be expressed as R _n =2S _n ^_ F _p , such as an S _n /R _n pole count in a 16/28 configuration. The present invention provides an SRM, whether operated as a motor, generator, or both. The proposed topologies have the highest inductance when aligned and the lowest at unaligned positions, much like a conventional SRM. All conventional power electronic converters and control strategies adopted for conventional SRMs can be applied to the proposed SRM. The proposed SRM exhibits a smoother torque profile due to the higher number of strokes per revolution. This offers better peak and average torque profiles relative to conventional SRMs. The narrower stator pole facilitates a larger fill factor i.e. more windings, which considerably improves the winding resistance and the thermal limits of the phase windings.

[00039] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the present invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.