Universal reluctance machine with no rotor conductors

This paper presents some results in the development of a novel self-starting reluctance-type machine having only stationary windings. The machine can be operated in the d.c., asynchronous, and synchronous modes and combines both synchronous (field-excited) and reluctance (unexcited) actions in the same frame. In the following, the synchronous generator operation is discussed in some detail. Other modes of operation are treated elsewhere, 1 and only a brief pertinent discussion is given here. A short description relating to the principle of operation of the machine is also included. In principle, the applications of the machine are numerous. For example, it is particularly suited to replace the permanent-magnet hybrid stepper motor in a control system. The use of the machine as a linear motor for low-speed transport also seems promising. The machine is quite suitable for use as a vernier motor, and applications as a synchronous generator are worth investigating.