Model the dynamics of switched reluctance motor
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The Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) block represents three most common switched reluctance motors: three-phase 6/4 SRM, four-phase 8/6 SRM, five-phase 10/8 SRM, as shown in the following figure.

The electric part of the motor is represented by a nonlinear model based on the magnetization characteristic composed of several magnetizing curves and on the torque characteristic computed from the magnetization curves. The mechanic part is represented by a state-space model based on inertia moment and viscous friction coefficient.
To be versatile, two models are implemented for the SRM block: specific and generic models. In the specific SRM model, the magnetization characteristic of the motor is provided in a lookup table. The values are obtained by experimental measurement or calculated by finite-element analysis. In the generic model, the magnetization characteristic is calculated using nonlinear functions and readily available parameters.

Set to 6/4 (default) to specify a three-phase 6/4
motor.
Set to 8/6 to specify a four-phase 8/6 motor.
Set to 10/8 to specify a five-phase 10/8 motor.
Set to 6/4 (60 kw preset model), 8/6 (75 kw
preset model), or 10/8 (10 kw preset model) to use
a predetermined specific model of a switched reluctance motor. When you use these presets,
you do not need to specify the parameters in the Model tab.
The resistance Rs (Ω) of each stator phase winding. Default is
0.01.
The inertia momentum J (kg.m2). Default is
0.0082.
The friction coefficient B (N.m.s). Default is 0.01.
The initial rotation speed w0 (rad/s) and initial rotor position Theta0 (rad). Default
is [0 0].
Specifies the sample time used by the block. To inherit the sample time specified in
the Powergui block, set this parameter to −1. Default is
−1.
Select Generic model (default) or Specific
model. The Model tab is modified accordingly.
The stator inductance when the rotor is in unaligned position Lq
(H). Default is 0.67e-3.
The unsaturated stator inductance when the rotor is in aligned position
Ld (H). Default is 23.6e-3.
The saturated stator inductance when the rotor is in aligned position
Ldsat (H). Default is 0.15e-3.
The stator maximum current Im (A). Default is
450.
The maximum flux linkage ψm (Wb or V.s) corresponding to
Im. Default is 0.486.
If selected, the mask plots the magnetization curves corresponding to the lookup table provided. The magnetization curves represent the machine flux linkage versus the stator current with the rotor position as a parameter. Default is cleared.
Select Generic model (default) or Specific
model. The Model tab is modified accordingly.
Select Dialog to specify the magnetization characteristic
directly in the mask of the block. Select Mat file (default) to
specify the magnetization characteristic from data in a MAT file. Default is
'srm64_60kw.mat'.
When the Source parameter is set to
Dialog, enter the 2-D lookup table containing the flux linkage
as a function of stator current and rotor position. Default is
'srm64_60kw.mat'.
When the Source parameter is set to
MAT-file, enter the name of the MAT-file that contains the 2-D
lookup table flux linkage table, the rotor angle vector, and the stator current vector. The
MAT-file must contain these three variable names: FTBL, RotorAngles, and StatorCurrents.
Default is 'srm64_60kw.mat'.
The rotor position Θ (deg) for which the flux linkage is specified. The Rotor
angle vector parameter is visible only when the Source
parameter is set to Dialog. Default is [0 10 20 30 40
45].
The stator current Is (A) for which the flux linkage is
specified. The stator current vector parameter is visible only when the
Source parameter is set to Dialog. Default
is [0:25:450].
If selected, the mask plots the magnetization curves corresponding to the lookup table provided. The magnetization curves represent the machine flux linkage versus the stator current with the rotor position as a parameter. Default is cleared.
TLThe block input is the mechanical load torque (in N.m). TL is positive in motor operation and negative in generator operation.
mThe block output m is a vector containing several signals. You can demultiplex these signals by using the Bus Selector block from Simulink® library.
Signal | Definition | Units |
|---|---|---|
V | Stator voltages | V |
flux | Flux linkage | V.s |
I | Stator currents | A |
Te | Electromagnetic torque | N.m |
w | Rotor speed | rad/s |
theta | Rotor position | rad |
The power_SwitchedReluctanceMotor example illustrates the simulation of the
Switched Reluctance Motor.
To develop positive torque, the currents in the phases of a SRM must be to the rotor position. The following figure shows the ideal waveforms (Phase A inductance and current) in a 6/4 SRM. Turn-on and turn-off angles refer to the rotor position where the converter’s power switch is turned on and turned off, respectively.

[1] T.J.E. Miller, Switched Reluctance Motors and Their Control, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1993.
[2] R. Krishnan, Switched Reluctance Motor Drives, CRC Press, 2001.
[3] D.A. Torrey, X.M. Niu, E.J. Unkauf, “Analytical modelling of variable-reluctance machine magnetisation characteristics,” IEE Proceedings - Electric Power Applications, Vol. 142, No. 1, January 1995, pp. 14-22.
[4] H. Le-Huy, P. Brunelle, “Design and Implementation of a Switched Reluctance Motor Generic Model for Simulink SimPowerSystems,” Electrimacs 2005 Conference.