Quasi 3D Reluctance Network Modeling of an Axial Flux Switched Reluctance Machine

This paper studies a 24-pole segmented rotor in a 3-phase, 36-slot per stator topology of an axial-field double stator switched reluctance machine (AFDSSRM) fed with a 3-phase sinusoidal current. It is modeled using a quasi 3D reluctance network which can be considered as an intermediate between multislice and full 3D reluctance network. The main contribution lies in the modeling method by which normal and tangential magnetic flux density as well as electromagnetic torque can be computed in linear and nonlinear permeability conditions, achieving a higher precision/computation time ratio than full 3D finite elements. The paper concludes that quasi 3D reluctance network (Q3DRN) method is a good alternative to full 3D finite elements to obtain main machine performance indicators and offers a solution for machine designers to quickly size an AFDSSRM, and considering the generic nature of the algorithm, this can be extended to other machine types.