Reluctance motor - definition
Reluctance motor - definition
A reluctance motor is a type of electric motor in which torque is created by the rotor striving to align itself with the minimum magnetic reluctance. It works on the principle of a difference in magnetic resistance in a magnetic circuit and does not require windings or permanent magnets in the rotor. Instead, the rotor is made of a ferromagnetic material with a specially shaped geometry that allows the magnetic flux to be directed in a way that favours the generation of driving torque.
The motor uses alternating magnetic fields generated by the stator, usually equipped with classical windings similar to those used in induction motors. The operation of the machine involves the cyclic attraction of the part of the rotor with the least reluctance to the magnetic poles created by the stator, resulting in its rotation. This movement can be synchronised with changes in the magnetic field, making the design particularly suitable for applications requiring precise control.
Reluctance motors are characterised by their simple, robust design and low manufacturing cost, as they do not contain components requiring expensive materials, such as neodymium magnets. Others are different varieties of these machines, including switched reluctance motors (SRM) and synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM). The former have a strongly non-linear operating character and are used, among others, in industrial applications where high resistance to overload and harsh operating conditions is important. The latter, on the other hand, offer higher efficiency and are used in drive systems with high energy efficiency, e.g. in Automation or modern pumps and compressors.
Due to the need for precise motor control, in most applications they require the use of advanced inverters or electronics to control rotor position and winding current.
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