Design of a Novel Switched Reluctance Linear Motor Considering the Performance Requirements of Gravity Energy Storage
Yan Wenju1,2, Sun Xinzhu2, Wang Yang2, Chen Hao2, Yang Hongwei2
1. Shenzhen Research Institute China University of Mining and Technology Shenzhen 515100 China; 2. School of Electrical Engineering China University of Mining and Technology Xuzhou 221116 China
Abstract：Gravity energy storage systems (GESS) have recently become a promising alternative to electrochemical batteries and pumped hydropower due to their scalability, long cycle life, and decoupled power-energy capacity. A challenge for GESS is the design of high-performance linear electric machines. These machines must operate reliably in both motoring and generating modes. This paper proposes a novel linear electric machine gravity energy storage system (LEM-GESS) employing a linear switched reluctance motor with segmental stator (LSRMSS). First, the proposed LSRMSS adopts a modular stator and an M-shaped mover tooth structure with full- pitched windings. Compared with conventional LSRMs, this design provides a shorter flux path, greater inductance variation, and improved magnetic utilization, leading to higher thrust density and power generation. To further enhance performance, a multi-layer, multi-objective optimization strategy is developed. Four objectives are defined: motoring thrust density, motoring thrust ripple, generating power density, and generating thrust ripple. Sensitive parameters are optimized using response surface modeling with Box-Behnken design and the MOGWO algorithm, while non-sensitive parameters are optimized using Taguchi's method. Then, a moderate offset distance effectively reduces thrust ripple without lowering average thrust, thereby improving both operational smoothness and energy conversion efficiency. After optimization, the motoring thrust density and generating power density increase by 44.4% and 67.1%, respectively, while the motoring and generating thrust ripples decrease by 66.7% and 67.0%. These results demonstrate that the proposed design significantly improves bidirectional performance. To examine the optimization strategy, Matlab/Simulink models are established, and dynamic responses are analyzed under both motoring and generating modes. Comparative analysis with a conventional flat-tooth LSRMSS of the same dimensions further confirms the advantages of the proposed topology. Finally, a 3-meter-high LEM-GESS prototype is fabricated. A comprehensive experimental platform is established to test static and dynamic characteristics, including current-flux-linkage curves, voltage and current waveforms, and thrust performance in both motoring and generating modes. The prototype demonstrates an average motoring thrust of 150.85 N and a generating thrust of 64.23 N, which align well with simulations after accounting for losses. In summary, this study makes the following contributions. (1) Development of a novel M-tooth LSRMSS topology with modular stator and full-pitched windings tailored for GESS applications. (2) Proposal of a multi-objective optimization method that balances performance across motoring and generating modes. (3) A vertical stator offset strategy for ripple suppression. (4) Fabrication and experimental validation of a prototype. The results highlight the potential of the proposed LEM-GESS as a competitive solution for long-duration, high-power storage applications, providing efficient peak shaving, renewable energy integration, and emergency backup for future power systems.
闫文举, 孙芯竹, 王洋, 陈昊, 杨宏伟. 考虑重力储能性能需求的新型开关磁阻直线电机设计[J]. 电工技术学报, 2026, 41(14): 4733-4747.
Yan Wenju, Sun Xinzhu, Wang Yang, Chen Hao, Yang Hongwei. Design of a Novel Switched Reluctance Linear Motor Considering the Performance Requirements of Gravity Energy Storage. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 2026, 41(14): 4733-4747.
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2026, Vol. 41 
