Study of the mutually coupled switched reluctance machine using the finite element-circuit coupled method

This paper studies the electromagnetic characteristics of the mutually coupled switched reluctance machine (MCSRM). The relationship between the MCSRM and the conventional switched reluctance machine (SRM) is emphasised with the MCSRM viewed from the perspective of the conventional SRM. Nonlinear analysis of the MCSRM using the finite element (FE) method is presented, with the peculiarities of the MCSRM highlighted. Control principles for different excitation patterns and operation modes are derived. The modelling difficulties associated with the MCSRM are discussed and the FE-circuit coupled simulation method is used to study the interactions between the MCSRM and the power electronics and to check the control principles derived from the nonlinear analysis. Both simulation and experimental results are provided.