Novel converter topologies for a two-phase switched reluctance motor with fully pitched windings

This paper presents a description and experimental results of a drive which employs a novel two phase switched reluctance motor with two fully pitched windings, based on a principle originally proposed for three phase machines. This differs from a conventional short pitched machine in that the fully pitched machine develops torque as a result of interactions between the two windings, as opposed to changes in self inductance of the individual windings. This form of winding gives rise to some unusual drive requirements, in particular continuous direct current in one winding, which offer potential benefits in the component count and ratings of the drive electronics. An experimental motor has been constructed along with a number of power converters. Experimental results for the different converters are presented and their relative merits discussed.