Design optimization of a switched reluctance motor by electromagnetic and thermal finite-element analysis

This paper presents the design optimization of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) by using a combination of two-dimensional electromagnetic and thermal finite-element analysis, three-dimensional correction factors, and computer search techniques. To achieve the required performance within a specified space envelope, the physical dimensions of the SRM were optimized, subject to a minimal total material cost including motor and power electronics. A prototype SRM was built and its test results validated the design methodology.