Magnetic Characterization-Based Modeling of Switched Reluctance Motors Considering Interturn Short Circuit Faults

Switched Reluctance Motors (SRMs) are powerful candidates for various industrial systems due to their simplicity, robustness, and high efficiency. However, inter-turn faults pose a critical challenge, leading to alterations in the magnetic characteristics that impact system reliability by increasing acoustic noise and torque ripples, which are the primary challenges in the optimal operation of SRMs. This paper examines the magnetic behavior of SRMs under inter-turn fault conditions, utilizing detailed finite element analysis (FEA) and supported by practical experimental validation. The study focuses on the impact of inter-turn faults on flux linkage, the inductance, and the electromagnetic torque, as the inter-turn faults introduce a third dimension to the machine model. A novel mathematical model is proposed that enables the direct estimation of faulty magnetic characteristics from healthy conditions, using only 2D look-up tables (2D-LUTs) of the healthy condition, thereby significantly reducing the complexity and memory requirements of the traditional 3D-LUT fault models. Moreover, as the SRM has a concentrated winding configuration, this paper considers the imbalance of the magnetic circuit due to inter-turn faults, maintaining high precision with negligible errors up to moderate fault levels. Experimental results from a 6/4 SRM prototype validate the simulation outcomes and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed model in detecting faults and estimating magnetic profiles. The proposed approach provides a scalable, efficient, and simplified solution for fault-tolerant SRM operation and establishes a solid foundation for real-time diagnostic systems.