SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES

UNIT – I SYNCHRONOUS RELUCTANCE MOTORS

1. What are the different types of reluctance machines? Compare them.

Reluctance machines are synchronous machines with certain unique features
pertaining primarily to their doubly salient stator and rotor pole design. The machines are
robust, use simple construction, and are suitable for high speeds. They include two types,
switched and synchronous.
The synchronous reluctance motor is used in industry, where motors are required to
operate in synchronism or where highly regulated speed control is required using a variable-
frequency drive. The motors provide constant, unvarying (or highly controlled) speed from
no load to full load with no slip.
The switched reluctance motor (SRM) is excited by current pulses applied to each
phase. The current pulses are applied based on precise rotor position. The inductance profile
is triangular, with maximum inductance when it is in an aligned position.

2. What is the principle of operation of reluctance machine?

In reluctance machines, torque is produced by the tendency of the rotor to move to a
position where the inductance of the excited stator winding is maximized (i.e., rotor tooth
aligns with active stator phase to minimize reluctance). The rotor is typically constructed of
soft magnetic iron shaped so as to maximize the variation of inductance with rotor position.
Opposite poles form a phase and the phases are magnetically independent of one another. The
machines tend to be noisy; a characteristic that has limited their applications in the past and
has also limited their use currently in vehicles. Research has been on-going for years in an
attempt to address the noise issue, but little has been accomplished in actual noise mitigation.
Reluctance machines are relatively low-cost machines, and they generally do not contain
PMs.

3. What are the properties of Reluctance motor?

 Combined reluctance and magnet alignment torque
 Field weakening capability
 Under excited operation for most loaded condition
 High inductance
 High speed capability

 High temperature capability

4. What are the various stator current modes used in synchronous reluctance motor?
 Unipolar current modes
 Bipolar current modes

5. Mention the applications of distributed anisotropy cage rotor of synchronous

reluctance motor?
These rotors are used for line – start (constant voltage and frequency) applications.

6. Mention the applications of distributed anisotropy Cageless rotor of synchronous

reluctance motor?
These rotors are used for variable speed applications.

7. What is Synchronous reluctance motor? (AU NOV 2013)

Synchronous reluctance motor is similar to three – phase Synchronous motor except
the rotor are demagnetized and made with saliency to increase the reluctance power. It is a
motor which develops torque due to the difference in reluctance of the two axis, namely
quadrature and direct axis.

8. What is meant by reluctance torque?

The torque which is exhibited on the rotor due to the difference in reluctance in the
air gap (or) a function of angular position of rotor with respect to the stator coil is known as
reluctance torque.

9. What are the advantages of Synchronous reluctance motor?

 Rotor is simple in construction i.e. very low inertia
 Robust
 Low torque, ripple
 Can be operated from standard PWM AC Inverters.
 It can be also built with a standard induction motor, stator and windings.

10. What are the disadvantages of Synchronous reluctance motor?

 It has poor power factor performance and therefore the efficiency is not as high as
permanent magnet motor.

 The converter kVA requirement is high.

  The pull – in and pull – out torque of the motor are weak.

11. What are the characteristics of Synchronous reluctance motor?

 It has combined reluctance and magnetic alignment torque.
 It has field weakening capability ( to get higher synchronous speed)
 Under excited operation for most load conditions.
 High inductance
 High speed capability
 High temperature capability

12. State the applications of Synchronous reluctance motor?(AU NOV 2012)

 It is used for constant speed applications i.e. timing devices, signaling devices,
Recording instruments and phonograph.
 It is used in automatic processors such as in food processing and packaging
industries.
 Used in high speed applications.
 Synthetic fibre manufacturing equipment
 Wrapping and folding machines.
 Synchronized conveyors.

13. What are the types of Synchronous reluctance motor?(AU MAY 2008,2014,2013)
Synchronous reluctance motor is classified into three types depending upon the
construction of rotor. They are
 Salient type or Radial type rotor.
 Flat type or axial type rotor.
 Flux Barrier type or Laminated type rotor.

14. Write the torque equation of Synchronous reluctance motor? (AU MAY 2014,NOV
2011)
T = (U2/ 2ωs) ( 1/Xq - 1/Xd) sin 2δ
U = Supply Voltage
Is be the supply current which has two components Id and Iq
Id = Direct axis current
Iq = Quadrature axis current

 s = Synchronous speed in rad / sec.

 Xd = Direct axis reactance
Xq = Quadrature axis reactance

15. Skewing is required for Synchronous reluctance motor. Justify?

At the time of starting, reluctance motor are subjected to logging due to the saliency
of motor. This can be minimized by the skewing of the rotor parts.

16. What are the design considerations in Synchronous reluctance motor?(AU NOV
2012)
 Power factor
 Copper loss and core loss
 Cost
 Efficiency

17. What are the advantages of increasing Ld / Lq ratio in Synchronous reluctance

motor?
 Motor power factor increases
 I2R losses reduced.
 Reduced volt – ampere ratings of the inverter driving the machine.

18. Compare Synchronous reluctance motor and Induction motor.

S.No. Synchronous reluctance motor Induction motor
1. Better efficiency Efficiency is low
2. High cost Low cost
3. Low power factor High power factor
4. Used for low and medium power Used for high power application
application

19. Define: Magnetic flux

The amount of magnetic lines of force setup in a magnetic circuit is called magnetic
flux. It is analogous to electric current in electric circuit.

20. Define: Reluctance

The opposition offered to the magnetic flux by a magnetic circuit is called its
reluctance.
21. Define: Permeance
It is a measure of the ease with which flux can be setup in a material. It is the
reciprocal of the reluctance of the material.

22. Write the principle of operation of stepping motors? (AU MAY 2014)
It works on the principle of variable reluctance .The motor has following modes of
operation.
a) Mode I: One phase on or full step operation – In this mode of operation only one phase is
energized at any time.
b) Mode II: Two phase on mode – In this mode two stator phases are excited simultaneously.
c) Mode III: Half step mode – In this type of mode of operation one phase is ON for some
duration and two phases are ON during some other duration.

23. Define reluctance torque.(AU NOV 2011)

The torque exerted by the reluctance motor because of the tendency of the salient
poles to align themselves in the minimum reluctance position. This torque is called
reluctance torque.

24. What are the types of rotor of synchronous reluctance motor? (AU MAY 2010)
(a)Salient
(b)Radially laminated rotor
(c)Axially laminated rotor

25. What is a vernier motor? (AU NOV 2007 , MAY 2010)

Vernier motor is an unexcited reluctance type synchronous motor.The peculiar
feature of this motor is that a small displacement of the rotor produces a large displacement
of the axis of maximum and minimum permeance.

26. State the properties of synchronous reluctance motor.

1. High output power capability.
2. Ability of the rotor to with stand high speeds.
3. Negligible zero torque spinning losses.
4. High reliability.

27. What are the merits of 3-phase brushless permanent magnet synchronous motor?
(AU NOV 2013)
(a)High strength and low cost
 (b)More reliable
(c)There need not be any excitation field thus limiting electromagnetic spinning
losses.

UNIT I
SIXTEEN MARKS
1. Explain the principle of operation and constructional features of Synchronous reluctance
motor.(AU NOV 2012,MAY 2014)(Refer pg.1.2 in R.Srinivasan)
2. Explain the torque – speed and torque – angle characteristics of Synchronous reluctance
motor.(AU NOV 2013)(Refer pg 1.30 in R.Srinivasan )
3. Draw and explain the steady state phasor diagram of Synchronous reluctance motor.
(Refer pg 1.23 in R.Srinivasan)
4. List the advantages and disadvantages of a Synchronous reluctance motor.(Refer 1.22 in
Srinivasan)
5. Derive the expression for torque equation of a Synchronous reluctance motor.(AU MAY
2013,2014)(Refer pg.1.5 in Dhayalini)
6. Explain the various stator current modes in a Synchronous reluctance motor.
7. Explain the various types of Synchronous reluctance motor based on rotor construction
with neat sketch.(AU MAY 2010,2013)(Refer pg.1.12 in R.Srinivasan)
8. Explain the Cage and Cageless rotors of Synchronous reluctance motor with neat sketch.
9. Compare a reluctance motor with an equivalent induction motor and list out the merits
and demerits of reluctance motor over induction motor.
10. A 10 HP, 4 pole, 240V, 60Hz, reluctance motor operating under rated load
condition has a torque angle of 30°. Determine
(a) Load torque on shaft
(b) Torque angle if the voltage drops to 224V
(c) For the above torque angle, will the rotor pullout of synchronism.
Solution:
(a) P = 7.46 kW ;
2N s 120 * 60
s = ; Ns   1800 rpm
60 4
 s  188.496 rad / sec

P
TL   39.576 N  m (5M)
s

(b)  rel  41.903 (7M)

(c) So, the motor will not pull out of synchronism (4M)

UNIT – II STEPPING MOTORS

TWO MARKS
1. Define: Stepper motor?
 Stepper motor is a motor which rotates step by step and not continuous rotation.
When the stator is excited using a DC supply the rotor poles align with the stator poles in
opposition such that reluctance is less.

2. What are the advantages of Stepper motor?

 No feedback is normally required for either position control or speed control
 Positional control is non – cumulative.
 Stepping motor are compatible with modern digital equipment

3. Mention the different types of stepper motor?

 Variable Reluctance stepper motor
Single stack
Multi stack
 Permanent magnet stepper motor
 Hybrid stepper motor
 Outer rotor stepper motor

4. What are the different modes of excitation?(AU MAY 2012)

 Single phase excitation
 Two phase excitation
 Half step mode
 Mini-step drive

5. Mention the features of stepper motor which are responsible for its
wide spread use?(AU NOV 2013)
 Small step angle
 High positioning accuracy
 High torque inertia ratio
 Stepping rate
 Pulse frequency

6. Define: Step Angle of stepper motor? ( AU NOV 2013,MAY 2013)

A stepping motor rotates through a fixed angle for every pulse. The rated value of
this angle is called the step angle and expressed in degrees.
7. Define: Holding torque of stepper motor?
Holding torque is defined as the maximum static torque that can be applied to the
shaft of an excited motor without causing continuous rotation.

8. Define: Resolution of stepper motor?

It is defined as the accuracy of positioning of the rotor pole at a particular step angle
with respect to stator pole.

9. Define: Detent torque of stepper motor?

It is defined as the maximum static torque that can be applied to the shaft of an
unexcited motor without causing continuous rotation.

10. Define: Pull – in torque of stepper motor?

These are alternatively called the starting characteristics and refer to the range of
frictional load torque at which the motor can start and stop without loosing steps for various
frequencies in a pulse strain.

11. Define: Pull – out torque of stepper motor?

These are alternatively called the slewing characteristics. After the test, motor is
started by a specified driver in the specified excitation mode in the self starting range; the
pulse frequency is gradually increased; the motor will eventually run out of synchronism.
The relation between the frictional load torque and the minimum pulse frequency with which
the motor can synchronize is called pull – out characteristics.

12. Define: Slewing frequency of stepper motor?

This is defined as the maximum frequency (stepping rate) at which the loaded motor
can run without losing steps is alternatively called the maximum slewing frequency.

13. Define: Stepping frequency of stepper motor?

The speed of rotation of a stepping motor is given in terms of the number of steps
per second and the term stepping rate is often used to indicate speed.

14. Define: Maximum starting torque of stepper motor?

 This is alternatively called as maximum pull – in torque and is defined as the
maximum frictional load with which the motor can start and synchronize with the pulse train
of frequency as low as 10 Hz.

15. Define: Maximum starting frequency of stepper motor?

It is the maximum control frequency at which the unloaded motor can start and stop
without losing steps.

16. Define: Maximum starting frequency of stepper motor?

It is the maximum control frequency at which the unloaded motor can start and stop
without losing steps.

17. What is rest position or equilibrium position of stepper motor?

It is defined as the position at which as excited motor comes to rest at no load.

18. What is detent position of stepper motor?

It is defined as the position at which a motor having a permanent magnet in its rotor
or stator comes to rest without excitation at no load.

19. Define: Maxwell’s stress

It is defined as curving of magnetic lines of force at the end of the poles of the stator.

20. Why interleaving is done in a stepper motor?

Interleaving is done in the stepper motor to decrease the step angle and thus
increasing the resolution.

21. Explain: VR type stepper motor?

It is a basic type of stepping motor in which the motor step by step rotation is
achieved when the rotor teeth and stator teeth are in alignment such that the magnetic
reluctance is minimized and this state provides a rest or equilibrium position.

22. Explain: PM type stepper motor?

A stepping motor using permanent magnet in the rotor for step movement is called a
permanent magnet motor.

23. Explain: Hybrid type stepper motor? (AU NOV 2011)

 A hybrid motor has permanent magnet in its rotor. The term hybrid derives from the
fact that the motor is operated under the combined principles of permanent magnet and
variable reluctance motor.

24. What is micro stepping and how is it achieved?

It is possible to subdivide on natural step into many small steps by means of
electronics. This method is known as mini step or micro step.

25. What is the effect of magnetic saturation in stepper motor?

 The efficiency is improved
 And the losses are reduced.

26. What are the classifications of drive system of stepping motor?

 Open loop system
 Closed loop system

27. What is the relationship between the step number and the step angle in a stepper
motor?
Step number (S) = 360° / θs
θs = step angle

28. What is the relationship between the step number and the rotational speed in a
stepper motor?
Rotational speed in rpm (n) = 60f / S
Where, S = Step number and f = stepping rate in Hz.

29. What is Cyclonome?

A stepping motor manufactured by Sigma instruments Inc., are called Cyclonome.

30. What are the various bipolar drives used for stepper motor?
 Basic Bipolar drives
 Bipolar L/R drives
 Bipolar chopper drives
31. Write the principle of operation of stepping motors? (AU MAY 2014)
It works on the principle of variable reluctance .The motor has following modes of
operation.
a) Mode I: One phase on or full step operation – In this mode of operation only one phase is
energized at any time.
b) Mode II: Two phase on mode – In this mode two stator phases are excited simultaneously.
c) Mode III: Half step mode – In this type of mode of operation one phase is ON for some
duration and two phases are ON during some other duration.

32. Calculate the stepping angle for a 3 phase,24 pole permanent magnet stepper motor.
(AU NOV 2012)
Step angle φ = 360/mNr
Where Nr – Number of rotor poles
m – Number of Phases
Sol: Given: m = 3
Nr = 24
Φ = 360/3*24
Φ = 50

33. Define torque constant of a stepper motor. (AU NOV 2012)

Torque constant of the stepper motor is defined as the initial slope of the torque-
current curve of the stepper motor.It is also called as torque sensitivity.

34. Draw the block diagram of the drive systems of stepping motor. (AU NOV 2011)

35. Define:’stepping angle’. (AU MAY 2007, 2008, NOV 2013)

It is the angular displacement of the rotor of a stepper motor for every pulse of
excitation given to the stator windings of the motor.
36. What is a hybrid motor?
A hybrid motor combines the features of both permanent and variable reluctance stepping
motor.
UNIT II
SIXTEEN MARKS
1. Explain the construction and principle of operation of Variable Reluctance Stepping
motor?(AU NOV 2012,2013)(Refer pg.2.8 in R.Srinivasan)
2. Explain in detail the various applications of stepper motor? (Refer pg.2.79 in Srinivasan)
3. Discuss the various advantages and disadvantages of stepper motor? (Refer pg.2.27 in
Srinivasan)
4. Explain the construction and operation of permanent magnet Stepping motor? (Refer
Pg.2.21 in R.Srinivasan)
5. Explain the construction and operation of hybrid Stepping motor? (Refer pg.2.26)
6. Discuss the static characteristics of stepper motor with neat sketch? (Refer pg.2.51)
7. Discuss the dynamic characteristics of stepper motor with neat sketch? (Refer pg.2.53)
8. Explain in detail the linear and non – linear analysis of stepper motor? (Refer pg.2.46)
9. Explain in detail the drive system of a stepping motor? (Refer pg.2.61)
10. Explain in detail the multi stack Variable Reluctance Stepping motor? (Refer pg.2.18)
11. (a) What is the motor torque Tm required to accelerate an initial load of
3x10-4 kg – m2 from f1 = 1000Hz to f2 = 2000Hz during 100msec. The frictional torque
Tf is 0.05 Nm and the step angle is 1.8°. (AU NOV 2012)
Solution
 
Step Angle   s in deg rees *  1.8 *  0.0314 rad (4 M )
180 180
Tm  0.1442 N  m (4 M )

11(b) What is the maximum acceleration of an initial load of 4x10-4 kg – m2 driven by a

motor torque of 0.3 Nm. Frictional loads are negligible and the step angle is 3°.
df
Tm  J s (2M )
dt
df
Maximum Acceleration   1.434 x10 4 steps / sec 2 (6 M )
dt
12. Explain the constuction and operation of variable reluctance type stepper motor.Also
explain about microstepping. (AU NOV 2013)(Refer pg.2.8, 2.17).
13. With a neat diagram explain microprocessor control of stepping motor. (AU MAY
2012, 2013) (Refer pg.2.64)
14. Discuss the dual voltage driver circuit for two phase on drive of a four phase stepper
motor and explain the nature of current build up in dual voltage drive.(AU NOV 2011)
(Refer pg.2.70 in Srinivasan)
 UNIT – III SWITCHED RELUCTANCE MOTOR
TWO MARKS
1. What is switched reluctance motor?
The switched reluctance motor is a doubly salient, singly excited motor. This means
that it has salient poles on both the rotor and the stator, but only one member (usually the
stator) carries windings. The rotor has no windings; magnet is or cage windings but is built
up from stacks of salient pole laminations.

2. What is meant by self control?

In the open loop system, if a load is suddenly applied, the rotor momentarily slow
down, making the torque angle delta increase beyond 90 and leading to loss of synchronism.
If the rotor speed adjusts the stator frequency the drive system is called as self controlled
drive.

3. What are the advantages of Switched Reluctance motor? (AU NOV 2013, MAY 2014)
 Rotor is simple and it tends to have a low inertia
 The stator is simple to wind
 In most applications the bulk of the losses appear on the stator, which is relatively
easy to cool.
 Due to the absence of magnet the maximum permissible rotor temperature may be
higher than in PM motors.
 Under fault conditions the open circuit voltage and short circuit current are zero or
varying small.
 Extreme by high speeds are possible

4. What is the difference between Switched Reluctance motor and variable reluctance
stepper motor?
Switched Reluctance motor Variable reluctance stepper motor
Conduction angle for phase current is co Stepper motor is usually fed with a square
ntrolled and synchronized with the rotor wave of phase current without rotor
position, usually by means of a shaft position feedback.
position sensor
The SRM is designed for efficient power It is usually designed as a torque motor
conversion at high speed with a limited speed.

5. What are the disadvantages of a Switched Reluctance motor?

  The absence of free PM excitation imposes the burden of excitation on the stator
windings and the controllers and increases the per unit copper losses.
 η is limited
 torque / ampere is limited
 Non uniform nature of the torque production which leads to torque ripple and may
contribute to acoustic noise.

6. Distinguish between co-energy and field energy

Co-energy Field energy
Co-energy is defined as Field energy is defined as
i 
w  di
1
w f    id
0 0

7. Determine the step angle of a 3 phase Switched Reluctance motor having 12 stator
poles and 8 rotor poles. What is the commutation frequency in each phase at a speed of
6000 rpm?
Given:
q = 3; NS = 12; Nr = 8 ; N = 6000 rpm
To find
Step angle ()
Frequency
Solution:
2 2
Step angle () = qN rad 
r 38

f1  n N r
rpm
 Nr
60
6000
 8
60
f1  800 Hz

8. What are the applications of Switched Reluctance motor? (AU MAY 2010, NOV
2011)
 Precision position control system for Robotics

 Low power servo motor

 High power traction drives
9. Give basic features of Switched Reluctance motor.
The switched reluctance motor is a doubly-salient, singly-excited motor. This means
that it has salient poles on both the rotor and the stator but only one member (usually the
stator) carries windings. The rotor has no windings, magnets, or cage windings, but is built
up from a stack of salient-pole laminations.
 Low inertia and simple manufacturing
 Losses appear only on the stator and easy to cool
 No magnets and so permissible rotor temperature is higher than in PM motors.
 Torque is independent of the polarity of phase current. Reduction in no of
semiconductor devices in controller
 Open circuit voltage and Short circuit current are zero or very small under faulty
condition.
 Immune from shoot through failure.
 High starting torque, extremely high speeds possible.

10. Write the relations between the speed and fundamental switching frequency.
f = n Nr = (r.p.m. /60) Nr Hz
Nr = No. of rotor poles,
If there are q phases there are q Nr steps per revolution and the step angle or stroke is
given by ε = 2 π /(q Nr) rad.
The no of stator poles usually exceeds the no of rotor poles.

11. What is co-energy?

In the ψ –i curve of a motor, the area between the curve and horizontal i axis is the
co-energy W’ and the other part is the stored field energy Wf.

12. Give the expression for torque of a Switched Reluctance motor. (AU MAY 2012,
2013)
The torque is given by T = [∂ W’ / ∂θ] i=const
Or by T = [∂ Wf / ∂θ] ψ =const
With magnetic saturation negligible and with ψ –i curve straight line,
ψ=Li

W’ = Wf = (½) L i2
T = (½) i2 dL /d θ Nm
13. Explain torque speed characteristics of Switched Reluctance motor.
For speed below ωb the torque is limited by the motor current. Up to base speed it is
possible to maintain the torque constant by means of the regulators. In the speed range below
ωb the firing angles can be chosen to optimize efficiency of minimum torque ripple. The
corner point or base speed wb is the highest speed at which maximum current can be
supplied at rated voltage with fixed firing angle. If these angles are still kept fixed, then the
maximum torque at rated voltage decreased with speed squared. However if the conduction
angle is increased there is a considerable speed range over which maximum current can still
be forced into the motor and thus sustain the torque at a level high enough to maintain
constant power change. This is shown between points B and P. The angle D is dwell or
conduction angle of the main switching device in each phase. It should generate can be
possible to maintain constant power up to 2.3 times base speed.

14. What are the types of power controllers used for Switched Reluctance motor?
 Using two power semiconductors and two diodes per phase
 (n + 1) power switching devices and (n + 1) diodes per phase
 Phase windings using Bifilar wires
 Dump – C – converter
 Split power supply converter

15. Why rotor position sensor is essential for the operation of Switched Reluctance
motor?(AU NOV 2011,2012)
It is normally necessary to use a rotor position sensor for communication and speed
feedback. The turning ON and OFF operation of the various devices of power semiconductor
switching circuit are influenced by signals obtained from rotor position sensor.

16. What are the two types of current control techniques?

 Hysteresis type control
 PWM type control

17. What is meant by energy ratio?

Energy ratio = (Wm / Wm + R) ≈ 0.45
Wm = Mechanical energy transformed
This energy ratio cannot be called as efficiency. As the stored energy R is not wasted
as a loss but it is feedback to the source through feedback diodes.

18. What is phase winding of SRM?

 Stator poles carrying field coils. The field coils of opposite poles are connected in
series such that mmf’s are additive and they are called “Phase winding” of Switched
Reluctance motor.

19. What is Hysteresis current control?

This type of current controller maintains a more or less constant throughout the
conduction period in each phase. This controller is called hysteresis type controller.

20. Define: Chopping mode of operation of Switched Reluctance motor?

In this mode, also called low – speed mode, each phase winding gets excited for a
period which is sufficiently long.

21. Define: Single pulse mode of operation of Switched Reluctance motor?

In this mode, also called high – speed mode, the current rise is within limits during
the small time interval of each phase excitation.

22. What is the step angle of a 3 phase Switched Reluctance motor and commutation
frequency in each phase for the speed of 6000 rpm? SRM having 10 stator poles and 4
rotor poles.
Solution:
Step angle () = (2π / qNr) = (360° / 3*4) = 30°

Commutation frequency at each phase = (Nr * ω) / 2π = (4*6000) / 60 = 400 Hz.

[ω = 2πN]

23. What are the merits of Dump C – Converter?

 This topology uses lower number of switching devices and has only one switch
voltage drop.
 The converter has full regenerative capability
 There is faster demagnetization of phases during commutation

24. What are the merits of split power supply Converter?

 It requires lower number of switching devices.
 There is faster demagnetization of phases during commutation

25. What are the merits of classic converter?

  Control of each phase is completely independent of the other phases
 The energy from the off going phase is feedback to the source, which results in
useful utilization of the energy.

26. What is the significance of closed loop control in switched reluctance motor? (AU
NOV 2013)
The performance of SRM can be improved to a great extentby employing position
feedback and/or speed feedback to determine the proper phases to be switched at proper
timings. This is a significance of closed loop control.

UNIT – III
SIXTEEN MARKS
1. Explain the construction and working of Switched Reluctance motor?(Refer pg.3.2 in
Srinivasan)
2. With a block diagram, explain the importance of closed loop control of Switched
Reluctance motor. (AU MAY 2014)
3. Describe the Hysteresis type and PWM type current regulator for one phase of Switched
Reluctance motor. (Refer pg.3.51 in Srinivasan)
4. Explain in detail about microprocessor based control of Switched Reluctance motor. (AU
NOV 2007, MAY 2010, NOV 2012)(Refer pg.3.57 in Srinivasan)
5. Describe the various power controller circuits to Switched Reluctance motor and explain
the operation of any one scheme with suitable circuit diagram. (Refer pg.3.17)
6. Describe the various operating modes of Switched Reluctance motor. (AU NOV 2012)
(Refer pg.3.36)
7. Derive the torque equation of Switched Reluctance motor. (AU NOV 2012)(Refer 3.12)
8. Draw and explain torque – speed characteristics of Switched Reluctance motor. (Refer
3.55)
9. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Switched Reluctance motor. (Refer 3.58)
10. Discuss in detail the frequency of variation of the inductance of each phase winding of
Switched Reluctance motor. (Refer pg.3.24 in Srinivasan)
11. Explain the steady state performance analysis of switched reluctance motor.
12. Explain the shaft positioning of SRM.

UNIT – IV PERMANENT MAGNET BRUSHLESS D.C. MOTORS

TWO MARKS
1. Why adjustable speed drives are preferred over a fixed speed motor?
The common reasons for preferring an adjustable speed drives over a fixed speed
motor are:
 Energy saving e.g. Fan or pump flow process
 Velocity and position control e.g. Electric train, portable tools, washing machine
 Amelioration of transients: Starting and stopping of motors produce sudden
transients. It can be smoothened using adjustable speed drives.

2. What is the structure of an adjustable speed drive system?

The general structure of a motion control system or drive consists of the following
elements:
 the load
 the motor
 the power electronic converter; and
 The control.

3. Write briefly about the construction and types of a Brushless DC machines.

Brushless PM machines are constructed with the electric winding on the stator and
PMs on the rotor. There are several conventional PM machine configurations and other more
novel concepts conceived in recent years to improve performance. The configuration of a PM
machine and the relationship of the rotor to the stator determine the geometry and the shape
of the rotating magnetic field. PM machines in which the magnetic flux travels in the radial
direction are classified as radial-flux machines. They are cylindrical in shape, and the rotor is
usually located inside the stator but can also be placed outside the stator. PM machines in
which the magnetic flux travels in the axial direction are classified as axial-gap machines.
They can have multiple disk or pancake-shaped rotors and stators. The stator-rotor-stator
configuration is typical.
The shape of the back-emf is a fundamental characteristic. The shape of the back-
emf of PM machines matches that of the driving currents and can be trapezoidal or
sinusoidal. Although both kinds are brushless and synchronous, PM machines with
trapezoidal back-emf are often called brushless dc motors (BDCMs), while PM machines
with sinusoidal back-emf are referred to as PM synchronous motors.

4. What are the advantages of PM machine?

 In general, PM machines have a higher efficiency as a result of the passive, PM-
based field excitation. PM machines have the highest power density compared with other
types of electric machines, which implies that they are lighter and occupy less space for a
given power rating. The amount of magnet material that is required for a given power rating
is a key cost consideration.

5. What are the types of PM machines? Compare.

. 1. Interior PM machine and 2.Surface mounted PM machine.
In contrast to surface-mounted PM machines, buried-magnet or IPM machines offer certain
advantages, their suitability for high-speed operation being perhaps the most obvious. The
fundamental difference is that in a surface-mounted rotor, the flux cannot be moved
tangentially within the magnet to provide a rotor-to-stator phase advance, while in a buried-
magnet rotor the flux can be moved tangentially above the magnets in the rotor iron so that a
quite significant rotor-to-stator phase advance can result. IPM machines can provide torque
under certain conditions with less I2R losses than other PM machines.

6. Sketch different types of IPM machines

7. Sketch different types of Surface PM Machines.

8. Discuss briefly about the types of Permanent Magnets used in electrical machines.
PM strength and other key properties
The various types of PMs include the following:
• Alnico—a family of magnets made from aluminum, nickel, and cobalt characterized by
excellent temperature stability, high residual induction, and enough energy for a number of
industrial and commercial applications.
• Ceramic—a hard, low-cost ferrite made of barium and strontium ferrite with excellent
stability. Ceramic magnets tend to be brittle, hard, and resistant to corrosion.
• Ferrites—a softer (non-sintered) version of the ceramic magnet. Lowest-cost magnets.
• Samarium cobalt (Sm2Co17)—a rare-earth magnet with outstanding magnetic properties
including high BHmax, excellent thermal stability, and excellent corrosion resistance.
Samarium cobalt is formulated as SmCo5 (1:5 material) and Sm2Co17 (2:17 material). This
magnet is well suited for applications demanding high magnetic strength in a high
temperature environment.

9. What are the methods for containing the magnets in PMBLDC motor?
As the base speed increases, magnet containment becomes a critical problem. For a
machine with surface-mounted magnets operating as a brushless direct current motor
(BDCM) with trapezoidal back-emf, there are four options:
 Wrap the magnets with a suitable B-stage.
 Encase the rotor in a non-magnetic can.
 Use an “inside-outside configuration” in which the stator is inside the structure
containing the magnets and rotor laminations. The centrifugal forces on the magnets
are then restrained by this structure.
  Use an axial gap configuration. In this arrangement, the stator and rotor are in the
shape of a toroid. The armature current is in the radial direction and the magnets are
charged in the axial direction. The air gap is in the axial direction and the centrifugal
force on the magnets is in the radial direction. Thus a restraining ring can be used
that does not impact the air gap volume.

10. Compare brushless DC motor with P.M. commutator motor. (AU MAY 2013)

Brushless DC motor P.M. Commutator motor

1. No Brushes. Maintenance problems
(RFI, sparking, ignition and fire accidents)
eliminated.
2. More cross sectional available for
armature windings. Conduction of heat
through the frame is improved.
3. Increase in electric loading is possible,
providing a greater specific torque. Higher
efficiency.
4. Space saving, higher speed possible,
with reduced inertia.
5. Maximum speed limited by retention of
magnet against centrifugal force.
6. Shaft position sensor is a must.
7. Complex electronics for controller.
1. Commutator based DC machines need
carbon brushes, so sparking and wear and
tear is un avoidable.
2. Armature winding is inside and the
magnet is on the stator outside.
3. Efficiency less.
4. Commutator restricts speed.
5. Magnet is on the stator. No problem.
6. Not mandatory.
7. Simple

11. What are the modes of operation of the square wave BLDC motor?
There are two modes of operation: 120 degree mode and 180 degree mode. The
mode corresponds to the conduction period of the switches in the voltage source inverter.
Each switch conducts for the period 120 or 180 degree as per the mode. Commutation from
one conducting device to another takes place at every 60 degree intervals.

12. Why the shape of the emf waveform of a BLDC is trapezoidal?

The ideal shape of the emf waveform is rectangular. The effect of slotting and
fringing causes its corner to be rounded and hence the shape is trapezoidal with flat top
portion with 120 degree
13. Give the emf and torque equations of the square wave BLDC motor.
The emf equation is given by E = kφω and the torque equation is given by T = kφI.
where k is the armature constant depending on the number of turns in series per phase in the
armature winding,
ω is rotor speed in rad / sec and
φ is the flux ( mainly contributed by the Permanent Magnet on the rotor).
I is the load current.

14. Give the expression for torque speed characteristics of BLDC motor.
The emf equation is given by E = kφω and the torque equation is given by T = kφI.
E = V - IR
At no load , I = 0, so the no load speed ω0 is given by ω0 =V/ (kφ)
(Since at no load I=0, E= V= kφ ω0 )
The stall torque( motor at zero speed) is given by T0 = kφI0, where I0 is the stall
current.
At zero speed E = 0 , V= I0R, R = V/ I0.
E = V- RI
Kφω = V – (V/ I0) I
= V(1-I/ I0)
ω = (V/Kφ)( 1-I/ I0)
= ω0 (1-T/ T0) since T is proportional to I.
This is the equation describing the torque speed characteristics of BLDC motor.

15. Compare 120 degree and 180 degree operation of BLDC motor.
The 180 degree magnetic arc motor uses 120 degree mode of inverter operation. The
motor with 120 degree magnetic arc uses 180 degree mode of inverter operation.
In 180 degree mode of inverter has 1.5 times copper losses but produce same torque
with only 2/3 of magnetic material. Motor operation is less efficient.

16. Give the expression for self and mutual inductances of a BLDC motor.
Self inductance is given by Lg = (ψ/i) = (πμ0 N2lr1 )/(2g”) where
g” = g’ + lm/ μrec
g’ = Kcg
N = Number of conductors in the slot.
I = current
lm = magnet length in radial direction
 g’ = air gap, g” = air gap including radial thickness of the magnet
μrec = relative recoil permeability.
Mutual inductance is given by Mg = - (1/3) Lg

17. What are the types of sensors used with PMBLDC motors?
Hall effect sensors are most commonly used for speed, position sensing with
PMBLDC motors. Optical Disc based sensors are also used. Presently rotor position sensors
are avoided by using alternative methods called as Sensorless control methods, which uses
terminal emf measurement, third harmonic voltage measurement, flux estimation and neuro –
fuzzy techniques etc.

18. Why MOSFET or IGBTs are used in inverters for PMBLDC motors?
These devices operate at very high switching frequencies for PWM method of
operation. The duty cycle of the PWM decides the average voltage applied to the motor and
hence the speed is adjusted. These devices are easy to commutate by using microprocessor or
microcontroller based software. (Base drive)

19. Write the dynamic equations of the PMBLDC motor.

The dynamic model equations of PMBLDC motor is given by
dia/dt =( van – R ia – ea (θ) ) / L
dib/dt =( vbn – R ib – eb (θ) ) / L
dic/dt =( vcn– R ic – ec(θ) ) / L
dω/dt = [ Te – Tl – B ω ] / J
dθ/dt = P ω / 2
where the Torque developed is given by
Te = (ea(θ)ia+ea(θ)ib + ea (θ) ic) / ω
TL = Load torque applied, B is the coefficient of friction and J is the moment of
inertia.

20. What are the relative merits and demerits of brush less DC motor drives?
Merits:
 Commutator less motor
 Specified electrical loading is better
 Heat can be easily dissipated
 No sparking takes place due to brush
 Source of EMI is avoided
Demerits:
  Above 10 kW, the cost of magnet is increase
 Due to centrifugal force the magnet may come out.

21. How the direction of rotation is reversed in case of PMBLDC motor? (AU NOV
2011)
The direction of rotation can be reversed by reversing the logic sequences in
PMBLDC motor

22. What are the difference between conventional DC motor and PMBLDC motor? (AU
NOV 2012)
DC PMBLDC
Brushes are present Brushes are not present
Sparking may occur due to brush Sparking will not occur as brush is not
present
Brush tend to produce RF1 RF1 problem does not occur
There is a need for brush maintenance No need of brush maintenance

23. Write the torque and emf equation of square wave brushless motor
e  2 N pn B g lr1
Te  4 N ph B g lr1 I

24. What are the various kinds of permanent magnets? (AU MAY 2014)
There are basically three different types of permanent magnets which are used
in small DC motors
 Alnico magnets
 Ferrite or ceramic magnet, and
 Rare - earth magnet (samarium – cobalt magnet )

25. Bring out the differences between conventional and brushless DC motors?(AU NOV
2012)
Description Conventional motors Brushless DC motors
Mechanical structure Field magnets on the stator Field magnets on the rotor.
Similar to AC synchronous
motor.
Distinctive features Quick response and Long – lasting
excellent controllability Easy maintenance

Commutation method Mechanical contact between Electronic switching using

brushes and commutator transistors
26. Write the difference between square wave PMBL and sine wave PMBL motor.
S.No. Square wave PMBL Sine wave PMBL motor
1. It has rectangular distribution of It has sinusoidal or quasi – sinusoidal
magnetic flux in the air gap. distribution of magnetic flux in the air gap.
2. It has rectangular current waveforms. It has sinusoidal or quasi – sinusoidal
current waveforms.
3. It has concentrated stator winding It has quasi – sinusoidal distribution of
stator winding (conductors) which is short
pitch and distributed or sometimes
distributed in some cases.

27. Write the expression of torque equation of a sine wave PMBL motor.
For an ideal case

3
T  I Bm  r1 l N s sin  Nm
2 2
and for the practical case
3p
T  E ph I sin  Nm

Where Bm = Maximum flux density in the air gap Wb / m2
l = axial length of the magnetic path, m
Ns = stator poles
 = torque angle

p = Number of pole pairs

28. Write the expression for induced emf / phase of the sine wave PMBL motor.
For an ideal case
1
E ph  Bm  r1 l  N s
2p 2

and for the practical case

E ph  2  m1 K w1 N ph  f

Where Bm = Maximum flux density in the air gap Wb / m2

l = axial length of the magnetic path, m
Ns = stator poles
 = torque angle

p = Number of pole pairs

UNIT – IV
SIXTEEN MARKS
1. Derive the torque and EMF equations of the permanent magnet brushless
DC motor. (Refer 4.32 in Srinivasan)(AU MAY 2012)
2. What are the differences between mechanical and electronic commutator?
(Refer pg.4.7 in Srinivasan (AU NOV 2011)
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of Brushless DC motor drives?(Refer 4.59)
4. Draw the diagram of mechanical commutator. Explain the operation of the same. (Refer
pg.4.3)
5. Sketch the structure of controller for permanent magnet brushless DC motor
and explain the functions of various blocks.(AU MAY 2014)(Refer pg.4.49 in Srinivasan)
6. Explain in detail the various rotor position sensors used in permanent magnet brushless
DC motor. (Refer pg.4.45 in Srinivasan)
7. Sketch torque – speed characteristics of a permanent magnet brushless DC motor. (Refer
pg.4.56 in Srinivasan)
8. Draw the diagram of electronic commutator. Explain the operation of the same. (Refer
pg.4.5 in Srinivasan) (AU MAY 2014)
9. Explain in detail the magnetic circuit analysis of brushless DC motor on open circuit.
(Refer pg.4.25 in Srinivasan)(AU MAY 2013)
10. Discuss in detail the various driving circuits used in permanent magnet brushless DC
motor. (Refer pg.4.51 in Srinivasan)
11. Explain the construction and principle of operation of PMBLDC motor with neat
diagram.(AU MAY 2010)(Refer pg.4.16 in Srinivasan)
12.Illustrate in detail,the operation of PMBLDC motor with 1800 magnet arcs and 1200
square-Wave phase currents.(AU NOV 2012)(Refer 4.17 in Srinivasan)

UNIT – V PERMANENT MAGNET SYNCHRONOUS MOTORS

TWO MARKS
1. Compare PMSM and PMBLDC motors.
PM Brushless DC motor
1. Rectangular distribution of magnetic
flux in the air gap.
2. Rectangular current waveforms.
PMSM
1. Sinusoidal or quasi–sinusoidal
distribution of magnetic flux in the air gap.
2. Sinusoidal or quasi-sinusoidal current
waveforms.
3. concentrated stator windings. 3. Quasi-sinusoidal distribution of stator
conductors. (short pitched and distributed
or concentric stator windings)

2. Give the expression for torque and emf of a PMSM motor. (AU NOV 2013)
T = (3/2) I √2 [ π r1 l B Ns sin(β)]/2, where β is the torque angle +ve for motoring
Eph = [2 π (kw1Nph) ΦM1 f ] / √2

3. Compare the performance of PMSM with BLDC motor.

With equal R.M.S. phase currents the torque of the square wave motor exceeds that
of sine wave motor by a factor 1.47.
With equal peak currents the factor is 1.27.
For the same flux-density flux per pole of a square wave motor exceeds that of a sine
wave motor by a factor π/2.
Square wave motor has a slightly better utilization of the peak current capability of
the converter switches.
In PMSM three devices conduct at a time (180 degree mode of inverter), where as in
BLDC only two devices conduct at a time in 120 degree mode.

4. What is meant by field oriented control of PMSM?

In general for field oriented control the stator currents are transformed into a frame
of reference moving with the rotor flux. In the PMSM the rotor flux is stationary relative to
the rotor. The rotor flux is therefore defined by the mechanical angle of rotation α, this is
obtained from a rotor position sensor. Thus, the control is much easier to implement than in
the case of induction motor.

5. What are the inherent advantages of variable reluctance motor?

 Simple in construction due to absence of rotor windings and or magnets and the use
of small number of concentrated stator coils similar to the field coils of a DC motor.
 Efficient motor cooling
 Suitable for sustained high speed operations
 Low motor inertia and high torque / weight rotor

6. Write the expression for the self and synchronous reactance of PMSM (AU MAY
2014)
 The sum of the magnetizing and leakage reactance define synchronous reactance.
XS=XM+XL
Xs = Synchronous reactance
XM = Magnetizing reactance
Xl = Leakage reactance

7. Bring out the differences between synchronous and Induction motor?

Synchronous motor
It is not a self starting one and some
external means are required
Requires DC excitation or PM
Speed control not possible
It can be operated under wide range of
power factor both lag and lead
More complicated and costly
Induction motor
It has got self starting torque
Does not required DC excitation
Speed can be controlled but to small range
It operates at only lagging power factor
which becomes very simple for light load
More simple and less cost

8. What are the applications of synchronous motor?

 Used in power houses and sub station in parallel to the bus bar to improve the power
factor.
 Used in textile mills, rubber mills, mining and the big industry
 Fans, Blowers centrifugal pumps

9. What are the applications of PMBLDC and PMSM motors?

PMBLDC: (Low rating application)
 turn table drives for record players
 Hard disc drives

 Low cost instruments

 Small fans for cooling electronic equipment
(High rating application)
 Air craft
 Satellite system
 Traction system (in future)

10. What are advantages and disadvantages of PMSM?

Advantages:
 Elimination of field copper loss
 High power density
  Lower rotor inertia
 Robust construction of rotor
 High efficiency
Disadvantages:
 Loss of flexibilities of field flux control
 Demagnetization effect
 High cost

11. What are the features of permanent magnet synchronous motor?

 Robust, compact and less weight
 No field current or rotor current in PMSM, unlike in induction motor.
 Copper loss due to current flow which is largest loss in motors is about half that of
induction motor.
 High efficiency.

12. What are the applications of PMSM? (AU NOV 2011,MAY 2014)
 PMSM are used in low to medium power (up to several hundred HP) applications
 Fiber spinning mills
 Rolling mills
 Cement mills
 Ship propeller
 Electric Vehicles
 Servo and robotic drives
 Starters / generator for air craft engine

13. Explain the difference between synchronous motor and PMSM (AU MAY 2012)
Synchronous Motor PMSM
3 phase AC or six step voltage or current 3 phase sine wave ac or PWM ac is used as
source inverter is used as supply supply
This type of motor is used in very large Here it is used in low integral HP industries
compressor and fan drives drives, fiber spinning mills.

14. What are disadvantages of PMSM relative to the commutator motor?

 Need for shaft position sensing
 Increased complexion in the electronic controller

15. What are the assumptions made in derivation of emf equation for PMSM?
  Flux density distribution in the air gap is sinusoidal
 Rotor rotates with an uniform angular velocity of ωm ( rad/sec)
 Armature winding consists of full pitched, concentrated similarly located coils of
equal number of turns

16. What are the advantages of load commutation? (AU NOV 2012)
 It does not require commutation circuits
 Frequency of operation can be higher.
 It can operate power levels beyond the capability of forced commutation.

17. Write down the expressions for power input of a PMSM?

Power input = 3EqIa + 3Ia2Ra
18. Write down the expressions for torque of a PMSM? (AU MAY 2012)
T = 3EIsin β / ωm N-m

19. What are the features of closed- loop speed control of load commutated inverter fed
synchronous motor drive?
 Higher efficiency.
 Four quadrant operation with regeneration braking is possible
 Higher power ratings and run at high speeds ( 6000 rpm)

20. Write down the emf expressions of PMSM? (AU MAY 2012)
Eph = 4.44 f Фm Kw1 Tph volts
This is the rms value of induced emf per phase, where

f = Frequency in Hertz, Фm = flux per pole

Kw1 = Winding factor, Tph = Turns per phase

21. Brief-up the advantages of load commutation in permanent magnet synchronous

motors. (AU NOV 2012)
Commutation of thyristors by induced voltages of load is known as “load
commutation”. Here, frequency of operation is higher and it does not require commutation
circuits.

22. What is meant by slotless motor?

In slotless motor, the stator teeth are removed and resulting space is partially filled with
addition copper.
23. Distinguish between self control and vector control of PMSM?
S.No. Self control Vector control
1. Dynamic performance is poor Dynamic performance is better
2. Control circuit is simple Control circuit is complex

24. State the two classifications of PMSM?

 Sinusoidal PMSM
 Trapezoidal PMSM

25. Write down the expressions for the self and synchronous reactance of PMSM? (AU
NOV 2011)
Xs = ( 3 π μ0 Ns2 l r1 ω) / 8 p2 g2 Ω

26. What is meant by self control? (AU NOV 2012)

Self control ensures thatfor all operating points the armature and rotor fields move exactly at
the same speed.

27. Draw the torque speed characteristics of PMSM. (AU MAY 2012)
UNIT – V
SIXTEEN MARKS
1. Derive the EMF equation of BLPM Sine wave motor. (Refer pg.5.7 in Srinivasan)
2. Explain the microprocessor based control of permanent magnet synchronous motors with
a neat block diagram.(Refer Pg. 5.46 in Srinivasan )
3. Derive the torque equation of BLPM Sine wave motor. (Refer pg.5.14)
4. Explain in detail the vector control of permanent magnet synchronous motor.(Refer
pg.5.38) (AU NOV 2011)
5. With neat sketch, discuss the torque – speed characteristics of PMSM. (Refer pg.5.45)
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of permanent magnet synchronous motor?
7. Explain in detail the construction and principle of operation of permanent magnet
synchronous motor. (Refer pg.5.3)
8. Compare electromagnetic excitation with permanent magnet of PMSM.(Refer 5.49 in
Srinivasan)
9. What are the differences in the constructional features of PMBLDC and PMSM? (Refer
pg.5.50)
10. Explain the principle of operation of a sine wave PM synchronous machine in detail.
(Refer 5.6)
11. Derive the expression for power input and torque of a PMSM.Explain how its torque
speed characteristics are obtained. (AU NOV 2011)(Refer 5.17 in Srinivasan)