Abstract: A flux switching electric motor (102) is disclosed. The motor comprises a rotor (104), a stator (106), field windings (124, 126) and armature windings (128, 130). #A microcontroller (134) controls supply of electrical current to the field and armature windings. A rotor position sensor includes a divider for (i) receiving an input signal dependent upon the rate of change of current in at least one field winding, (ii) receiving an input signal dependent upon the voltage across at least one armature winding, current through which causes at least part of the current in the field winding, and (iii) providing the microcontroller (134) with a control signal which is dependent upon the ratio of the input signals received by the divider.

Abstract: An electrical machine having stator (30) and rotor (31) is disclosed. The motor has field windings (F) and armature windings (A) energized by a suitable power electronic controller (401). A controller (400) sends signals to the power electronic controller (401) to control the armature current to control operation of the machine. When the machine is operating as a motor, the armature windings (A) will be supplied with electrical current from the power electronic controller by the application of applied voltage in synchronism with the rotation of the rotor (31). A mutually induced first electrical signal dependent on rotational position of the rotor will be induced within the field windings (F). This will create a superimposed gradient in the field current delivered by the power electronic controller (401).

Abstract: An electrical machine comprises a rotor without windings, a stator having an armature winding 24, 25 and a field winding 10 for generating a magnetomotive force in a direction extending transversely of the magnetomotive force generated by the armature winding. An electronic circuit 40 is provided for controlling the current in the armature winding 24, 25 such that periods in which a magnetomotive force in one direction is associated with a first current pulse alternate with periods in which a magnetomotive force in the opposite direction is associated with a second current pulse. A position sensor is provided for monitoring the rotational position of the rotor and for supplying output signals at a rate dependent on the speed of rotation of the rotor. Furthermore a control system supplies control signals to the circuit 40 to control the current in the armature winding 24, 25 in response to the output signals.

Abstract: An electrical machine comprises a rotor without windings, a stator having an armature winding 24, 25 and a field winding 10 for generating a magnetomotive force in a direction extending transversely of the magnetomotive force generated by the armature winding. An electronic circuit 40 is provided for controlling the current in the armature winding 24, 25 such that periods in which a magnetomotive force in one direction is associated with a first current pulse alternate with periods in which a magnetomotive force in the opposite direction is associated with a second current pulse. A position sensor is provided for monitoring the rotational position of the rotor and for supplying output signals dependent on the speed of rotation of the rotor. Furthermore a control system 32 supplies control signals to the circuit 40 to control the current in the armature winding 24, 25.

Abstract: An electrical machine comprises a rotor without windings, a stator having an armature winding (24,25) and a field winding (10) for generating a magnetomotive force in a direction extending transversely of the magnetomotive force generated by the armature winding. An electric circuit (40) is provided for controlling the current in the armature winding (24, 25) such that periods in which a magnetomotive force in one direction is associated with a first current pulse alternate with periods in which a magnetomotive force in the opposite direction is associated with a second current pulse. A position sensor is provided for monitoring the rotational position of the rotor and for supplying output signals dependent on the speed of rotation of the moor.

Abstract: An electrical machine comprises a rotor without windings, a stator having an armature winding 24, 25 and a field winding 10 for generating a magnetomotive force in a direction extending transversely of the magnetomotive force generated by the armature winding. An electronic circuit 40 is provided for controlling the current in the armature winding 24, 25 such that periods in which a magnetomotive force in one direction is associated with a first current pulse alternate with periods in which a magnetomotive force in the opposite direction is associated with a second current pulse. A position sensor is provided for monitoring the rotational position of the rotor and for supplying output signals at a rate dependent on the speed of rotation of the rotor. Furthermore a control system supplies control signals to the circuit 40 to control the current in the armature winding 24, 25 in response to the output signals.