Self-tuning control of switched-reluctance motor drive system

A system and method for controlling a switched-reluctance motor, in which a control variable is selected for controlling a figure of merit of the motor. The motor is then operated at a first value of the control variable. The control variable is adjusted to a second value, and the motor is operated at the second value of the control variable. A first indicator indicative of the figure of merit of the motor operating at the first value of the control variable is compared to a second indicator indicative of the figure of merit of the motor operating at the second value of the control variable. Thereafter, a new value is selected as the first value of the control variable in response to the comparison of the first indicator first to the second indicator.U