reluktanssimoottorit

Reluktanssimoottorit, or reluctance motors, are a type of AC electric motor that operates by harnessing the tendency of the magnetic circuit to minimize its reluctance. Unlike induction motors, reluctance motors do not have windings or permanent magnets on the rotor. Instead, the rotor is made of a ferromagnetic material with salient poles, meaning it has protrusions or "teeth." The stator has windings that are energized to create a rotating magnetic field. The rotor then aligns itself with this magnetic field in a way that minimizes the magnetic reluctance, effectively pulling the rotor along.

There are two main types of reluctance motors: switched reluctance motors (SRMs) and synchronous reluctance motors (SynRMs). Switched reluctance motors have a simpler construction but require complex control electronics to switch the stator windings on and off in precise sequences to maintain rotation. Synchronous reluctance motors are designed so that the rotor has a preferred axis of magnetization, which allows it to lock into synchronism with the rotating magnetic field of the stator, similar to a synchronous motor.

Reluctance motors are known for their robustness, high torque density, and ability to operate at high speeds. Their lack of rotor windings or magnets makes them less prone to failure and allows them to withstand high temperatures. However, they can be noisy and produce torque ripple if not properly controlled. Applications for reluctance motors include industrial drives, electric vehicles, and pumps. Their efficiency can be very high, particularly in synchronous reluctance designs with sophisticated control.