Inductance profile calculation of step winding structure in tubular linear reluctance motor using three-dimensional finite element method

SUMMARY In this paper, a novel design for a tubular linear reluctance motor (TLRM) has been developed. This paper presents a novel structure to enhance magnetic force and velocity in TLRM. The new structure is accomplished through some changes in TLRM, which result in a step winding structure. For dynamic modeling of the proposed TLRM and obtaining the motor output characteristics, it is necessary that the inductance profile is calculated with a good accuracy. This paper represents a study of step winding inductance in every plunger positions in TLRMs with open-type magnetic circuits. Electromagnetic finite element analysis is used for proposed motor simulation and coil inductance calculation. Moreover, inductance of a prototype novel TLRM was measured with experimental methods. Simulation results of coil inductance calculation using three-dimensional finite element method with coil current excitation are compared with theoretical and experimental results. The comparison yields a good agreement. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.