COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINES TO AUTOMOTIVE STARTERS

Abstract

Starter motors play a crucial role in vehicles by cranking internal combustion engines to life. While DC series motors have traditionally been the preferred choice for this task due to their high starting torque and simple design, newer motor technologies are offering more efficient and refined alternatives. Among them, Brushless DC (BLDC) motors have gained significant attention for their superior performance. This study presents a simulation-based comparison between DC series motors and BLDC motors using MATLAB. The focus is on key performance aspects such as efficiency, torque ripple, and current ripple, evaluated under identical operating conditions. Results show that BLDC motors offer higher efficiency and smoother operation, with noticeably lower torque and current ripples. Although DC series motors still deliver strong initial torque, they fall short in terms of energy efficiency and produce greater ripple effects, which can affect overall system smoothness. The findings highlight the growing relevance of BLDC motors in modern automotive starter systems, offering a compelling case for their adoption over traditional DC series motors.