Design of a synchronous reluctance motor drive

A segmental-rotor synchronous reluctance motor is used in a variable-speed drive with current-regulated PWM control. The low-speed torque capability is compared with those of an induction motor, a switched reluctance motor, and a brushless DC permanent magnet (PM) motor of identical size and copper weight. The results suggest that many of the desirable properties of the switched reluctance motor can be realized with the synchronous reluctance motor, but using standard AC motor and control components. The torque capability is lower, but so is the noise level.<>