A piecewise analytical model of bearingless switched reluctance motor for full rotor angular positions

Purpose This paper aims to establish a piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of bearingless switched reluctance motor (BSRM) for the full rotor angular positions. The proposed model varies from the existing models, which are only applicable to the partial-overlapping positions of stator and rotor poles. By extending the applicable rotor angular positions, this model provides a basic analytical model for the multi-phase excitation control of BSRM. Design/methodology/approach The full rotor angular positions are classified into the partial-overlapping positions and the non-overlapping positions. At first, two different air gap subdividing methods are proposed, respectively, for the two-position ranges. Then, different integration paths are selected accordingly. Furthermore, two approximate methods are presented to calculate the average flux density of each air gap subdivision. Finally, considering the mutual coupling between the two perpendicular radial suspension forces, a piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model is derived for the full rotor angular positions of BSRM. Findings A piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of BSRM is built for the full rotor angular positions, and applicable to the multi-phase excitation mode of BSRM. For the partial-overlapping positions and the non-overlapping positions, two sets of air gap subdividing methods, integration paths and approximate calculation methods of air gap flux densities are proposed, respectively. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed model are verified by the finite element method. Originality/value The piecewise Maxwell stress analytical model of BSRM for the full rotor angular positions is proposed for the first time. The novel air gap subdividing methods, integration paths, approximate calculation methods of air gap flux densities and the coupling between the two radial suspension forces are adopted to improve the modeling accuracy. As the applicable range of rotor angular position is extended, this model overcomes the limitation of the existing models only for single-phase excitation mode and contributes to the accurate control of BSRM multi-phase excitation mode.