FEA-based pole arc optimization and sensitivity analysis of 8/6 SRM for EV application

The optimization of the pole arcs and sensitivity analysis of a 4-phase 8/6 Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) using the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) technique for the Electric Vehicle (EV) application is presented in this article. The motor's power rating is estimated from the tractive force of an e-rickshaw(3-wheeler). Optimizing the pole arc in SRMs is essential for obtaining an optimal balance of performance, efficiency, and operating smoothness. This makes it a vital part of SRM design. The motor performance is analyzed by fixing the stator pole arc while varying the rotor pole arc and vice versa. The main performance attributes like torque, torque ripple, torque per rotor volume, and efficiency of an 8/6 SRM with various pole arc values are examined using the transient FEA method. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the range of variation in the performance parameters of the motor when the pole arcs vary. Various performance indices, such as torque, torque ripple (TR), efficiency, and Torque Per Volume (TPV), are considered for the analysis. The sensitivity analysis is carried out based on the transient analysis. Finally, based on the findings, the optimal combination of pole arcs is determined and analyzed the performance using the FEA method. An electromagnetic design tool called Infolytica MOTORSOLVE is used to construct the FEA models and extract the characteristics. •Transient FEA-based analysis is proposed for the sensitivity analysis for evaluating the performance parameters for various pole arc combinations.•The optimum values of the pole arc are obtained using the FEA approach based on the comparative study conducted for the performance analysis of the machine for various pole arc values and sensitivity analysis.•The optimized model is validated using the FEA method.