Energy efficiency for fractional power loads

The single-phase switched reluctance motor (SSRM) is presented as a robust and rather economic solution for fractional power-load applications where a low-starting torque is required. This work discusses the principle of operation of the SSRM, the prototype design, driving strategy for starting and steady state operation, modeling and simulation results, steady-state measurements, and performance comparisons with the conventional single-phase induction motor (SPIM). Simulation and experimental results are presented for a 4/4 SSRM prototype and associated electronic converter and found to be in good agreement. The results shown that under steady-state operation, the measured input power required by the SSRM is 37.5% smaller than that drawn by the SPIM to drive the load in similar conditions