Abstract: A method is provided to facilitate optimizing a winding and lamination configuration an electric machine. The method employs a computer including a microprocessor for executing computer functions, a database for storing optimization data, and a two-level optimization algorithm that has a first optimization module and a second optimization module. The method includes generating a plurality of data sets utilizing the first determining an optimum response surface based the data sets, utilizing the second module, determining an optimum data set based on the optimum response surface, utilizing the first module, and outputting an optimum winding and lamination configuration based on the optimum data set.

Abstract: A method is provided to facilitate optimizing a winding and lamination configuration an electric machine. The method employs a computer including a microprocessor for executing computer functions, a database for storing optimization data, and a two-level optimization algorithm that has a first optimization module and a second optimization module. The method includes generating a plurality of data sets utilizing the first determining an optimum response surface based the data sets, utilizing the second module, determining an optimum data set based on the optimum response surface, utilizing the first module, and outputting an optimum winding and lamination configuration based on the optimum data set.

Abstract: An electric motor to be used with a termination network that is integral with the motor and connected to the motor's supply motor lines for reducing voltage between a motor terminal and a transmission line connected to a pulse width modulated drive when high frequency surges, or spikes, are present. Further, the termination network will not adversely effect sinusoidal performance ratings of the motor on which it is used. In addition, since the termination network is integral with the motor, the termination network assembly can be installed during assembly of the motor, thus lowering the cost of installation.

Abstract: A reversible switched reluctance motor and methods therefor. The motor includes a current sensor for sensing the current supplied by a DC link and for producing a current signal having a parameter representative of the current. A controller provides a control signal having a parameter representative of the desired speed and direction of rotation of a rotatable assembly of the motor. A dwell generator provides firing pulses to a converter for driving the motor and varies the duration of each of the firing pulses as a function of the speed and direction parameter and the current parameter. Further, a timing generator, responsive to the speed and direction parameter, generates a timing signal defining a rate dependent on the parameter. The dwell generator varies the pulse rate of the firing pulses as a function of the defined rate of the timing signal and the converter commutates each of the windings for a period of time and at a rate dependent on the duration and pulse rate of the firing pulses.

Abstract: A drive system for a laundry machine utilizing a switched reluctance motor of three or more phases and with stator/rotor pole ratios selected from the ratios of 6:4 and 8:6 with the actual number of poles being a multiple of 2 or more times those numbers. A stator/rotor gap of 10-20 mils is maintained in large diameter motors and cooling for the coils and electronic components positioned within the motor is provided.

Abstract: An electronically commutated motor has substantially constant air gap energy to reduce cogging. A rotatable assembly has permanent magnet elements which rotate about an axis of rotation. The elements are oriented with respect to said axis of rotation to provide a magnetic field with lines of flux along a plane forming a skew angle of s.sub.1 mechanical degrees with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein s.sub.1 is not equal to zero. The elements may be provided with an unmagnetized portion referred to as a phantom skew. A stationary assembly is in magnetic coupling relation with the permanent magnet elements of the rotatable assembly and has t spaced teeth with adjacent teeth defining a slot therebetween, wherein t is positive integer. Each tooth has a surface adjacent the rotatable assembly having one or more notches forming a skew angle of s.sub.2 mechanical degrees with the axis of rotation. Each tooth has winding stages adapted for commutation in at least one preselected sequence.