A Performance Comparison of Conventional and Transverse Flux Rotating Switched Reluctance Motors

High power and torque densities have been claimed for transverse flux structures over the conventional (radial flux) switched reluctance machine (CSRM) structures in recent publications. A comprehensive comparison between the transverse SRMs (TSRM) and CSRMs requires inclusion of the specific constructional requirements of the TSRM. Then it must take into account the back irons of the stator and rotor, the material for them and their magnetic characteristics, and their resulting impact on the outer machine dimensions, weight and volume. Performance differentiation that can accrue as a result of different winding possibilities such as hoop (circular) and concentric windings on the TSRM are also considered for the comparison. For a fair comparison of the two types of the SRMs, equal outer dimensions, stack length and magnetic flux density are assumed. In addition, similar torque profiles are also considered. Both analytical and 2D and 3D finite element methods (FEM) are employed in this research to determine the performance of the machines. The research results clearly indicate that CSRMs match or exceed the performance of the TSRMs. In combination with this fact that CSRMs are simpler to construct will make them the choice structure for the switched reluctance motor (SRM) kind