Power converter rating for switched reluctance motors

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) is a low cost motor option. However it has lower power factor than competing motors and this has led to the incorrect perception that the power electronics are expensive. This paper shows that comparing an inverter fed motor to an SRM requires consideration of more than just power factor. In particular device utilization and device switching losses are just as relevant. When the complete picture is considered the ratings for the SRM are shown to be only 2/3rds that of the induction motor. Other authors have observed, but not explained, this reduced rating.