Development of Synchronous Reluctance Motor

Abstract

Electric motors are used in wide range of applications consuming huge electrical energy. Most of those motors are of induction type with moderate efficiency. The efficiency level and performance can be enhanced with the use of permanent magnet motors. But, the cost of the permanent magnet materials is shooting up and hence permanent magnet motors are not an economic alternative of induction motors. At this juncture, an interest and focus on Synchronous Reluctance Motor has been come up. This project aims to design and analyze Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) with line-start capability. Synchronous speed operation of a line-start motor can be obtained without implementation of a separate field excitation or permanent magnets by constructing a SynRM with squirrel cage rotor having ux barriers. Design optimization is carried out using Finite Element Analysis tool. Stator of normal induction motor is used in synchronous reluctance motor. Performance is validated with finite element analysis. Based of design output, fabrication of motor will be carried out. Line-start SynRM requires the rotor to have slotted construction where squirrel cage is accommodated. Thus, overall construction is comparably similar to squirrel cage induction motor. Emphasis has been given on design optimization for better operating power factor without compromising the overall cost of manufacturing. Conventional materials and frame size are used.