Effects of chopping on core losses and inductance profiles of SRM drives

A coupled Finite Element-State Space (CFE-SS) model of switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive systems is used to evaluate the impact of chopping on the machine performance characteristics. The model is used to predict the impact of chopping on the machine inductance profiles, armature currents, and core losses. The modeling environment utilizes an iterative approach which includes the full impact of nonlinearities on the machine magnetic circuit, that results in the nonsinusoidal flux density waveforms in the different parts of the machine. The modeling approach is applied to a four phase SRM. Furthermore, the predicted results are verified by comparison to experimental data.