Design procedure for a longitudinal flux flat linear switched reluctance motor

Abstract

This article presents a new comprehensive design procedure for longitudinal flux flat linear switched reluctance motors. The design process comprises all the steps from detailing the specifications to sizing the prototype to validating the design, and it can be applied to three types of flux flat linear switched reluctance motors: single sided, double sided, and modified double sided. The design is based on an analytical formulation of the average translation force determined using a simplified non-linear energy conversion loop. Special emphasis is devoted to the calculation of the number of turns per phase. A two-dimensional finite-element analysis, corrected to take into account end effects, and a lumped parameter thermal analysis were used to refine and/or validate the design. Finally, a linear switched reluctance motor prototype was built following the proposed design and was verified by experimental measurements.