A new patent for a switched axial reluctance electric motor has been published in the Rospatent database. The development by designers from Volgograd and Belarus offers a non-trivial solution to the classic paradox of reluctance machines: maintaining maximum rotor simplicity while attempting to increase efficiency by eliminating stator core remagnetization.

The casing is made in the form of a hollow cylinder, separable along the generatrix into upper and lower halves, connected by bolts. Holes for electromagnetic stator coils are provided in the casing walls. Inside, at least one disk rotor made of ferromagnetic material is installed on the shaft.

The rotor can be monolithic or assembled. In both variants, trapezoidal holes or separate ferromagnetic elements are provided, arranged radially with the smaller base towards the axis. The side walls of these zones are made concave in the direction of rotor rotation and convex in the opposite direction. Stator coils are placed on both sides of the disk.

For each ferromagnetic working zone, there are at least three coils located on one side of the disk. Cooling elements made of non-magnetic material with blade-shaped cutouts are installed in the gaps between the zones.

Control is via a rotor position sensor and a controller. The authors indicate that the fixed polarity of the coils eliminates core remagnetization and reduces hysteresis losses. The claimed technical result is increased efficiency and reliability, reduced weight and dimensions, and simplified assembly.

There is no data in the patent regarding the manufacture of a prototype, bench tests, or measured characteristics. Possible areas of application indicated by the authors include traction drives, pumps, servo drives, high-speed centrifuges, and gyroscopes.