You are here: Home » Blog » What Is A Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM)? Working Principle, Efficiency, And Industrial Applications

What Is A Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM)? Working Principle, Efficiency, And Industrial Applications

Views: 203     Author: James     Publish Time: 2026-06-25      Origin: Site

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

synchronous reluctance motor structure diagram showing rotor flux barriers and stator winding

Schematic diagram of SynRM motor structure

A synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) is a high-efficiency AC motor that produces torque through magnetic reluctance differences in the rotor structure, rather than rotor current or permanent magnets.

Unlike traditional induction motors or permanent magnet motors, SynRM eliminates:

  • Rotor copper losses

  • Rare-earth magnet dependency

  • Slip-based torque production

This makes SynRM a key technology in modern energy-efficient industrial drive systems.

SynRM motors are widely used in modern industrial energy-saving motor systems such as pumps and HVAC systems.

Learn more about our SynRM Motor Solutions.

How Does a SynRM Motor Work?

magnetic reluctance principle showing d-axis and q-axis inductance difference in SynRM motor

Reluctance principle (d-q axis)

A SynRM motor works based on the principle of magnetic reluctance minimization.

Rotating Magnetic Field

When AC power is supplied:

  • Stator generates rotating magnetic field

  • Rotor follows synchronous speed

  • No slip occurs

Torque Generation Principle

Torque is produced by saliency difference:

T ∝ (Ld − Lq) × Id × Iq

Engineering meaning:

  • Ld = direct-axis inductance

  • Lq = quadrature-axis inductance

  • Torque depends on rotor anisotropy

This control strategy is optimized through advanced drive systems such as FOC vector control and VFD systems.

See also Industrial Motor Control Systems

SynRM Rotor Structure and Design

SynRM rotor laminated steel flux barrier design diagram

Rotor structure

Flux Barrier Design

The rotor uses laminated steel with:

  • Flux barriers

  • Magnetic saliency paths

  • Optimized Ld/Lq ratio

No Rotor Conductors

Unlike induction motors:

  • No copper bars

  • No rotor windings

  • No electrical rotor losses

Result: significantly higher efficiency.

SynRM Efficiency and Performance

IE3 IE4 IE5 industrial motor efficiency comparison chart

Comparison Chart of IE Efficiency Classes

High Efficiency (IE4–IE5 Level)

SynRM motors achieve:

  • Very high partial-load efficiency

  • Lower total energy consumption

  • Improved lifecycle cost

Low Loss Design

  • No rotor I²R loss

  • No magnet eddy current loss

  • Reduced thermal stress

SynRM is commonly used in industrial pump and fan systems requiring high efficiency operation.

Explore Industrial Pump Motor Systems.

SynRM vs Induction Motor

Feature

SynRM

Induction Motor

Rotor Loss

Very low

High

Efficiency

IE4–IE5

IE2–IE3

Slip

None

Required

Maintenance

Low

Medium

SynRM is a direct upgrade for energy efficiency projects.

SynRM vs PMSM

comparison of synchronous reluctance motor and permanent magnet synchronous motor rotor structure

Structural Comparison: SynRM vs. PMSM

Feature

SynRM

PMSM

Torque Source

Reluctance

Permanent magnet

Rare Earth

No

Yes

Torque Density

Medium

High

Cost Stability

High

Medium

For high torque density applications, PMSM technology is often preferred.

Learn more PMSM Motor Technology

Industrial Applications of SynRM Motors

industrial applications of SynRM motors in pumps fans and HVAC systems

Industrial application scenarios (pumps/fans/HVAC)

Pumps and Water Systems

  • Variable flow operation

  • High energy savings potential

  • Long operating hours

HVAC and Ventilation Systems

  • Continuous operation efficiency

  • Partial load optimization

Compressors

  • Stable torque demand

  • High reliability operation

Why SynRM Is Becoming a Global Industrial Trend

variable frequency drive controlling synchronous reluctance motor system

Schematic diagram of the VFD system

  • IE5 efficiency regulations

  • Rising energy costs

  • ESG sustainability requirements

  • Rare-earth supply chain risks

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages:

  • High efficiency

  • No rare-earth materials

  • Low rotor losses

  • High reliability

Limitations:

  • Lower torque density than PMSM

  • Requires VFD control system

  • Needs optimized design

Conclusion

SynRM motors represent a major step forward in industrial motor technology, offering:

  • High efficiency

  • Low lifecycle cost

  • Sustainable material usage

They are ideal for pumps, fans, compressors, and industrial energy-saving retrofit projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a SynRM motor used for?

SynRM motors are widely used in pumps, fans, compressors, and HVAC systems where energy efficiency is critical.

Is SynRM better than an induction motor?

Yes. SynRM motors are significantly more efficient, especially under variable load conditions, due to the absence of rotor losses.

Does SynRM use permanent magnets?

No. SynRM motors are completely magnet-free and do not require rare-earth materials.

What is the main advantage of SynRM motors?

The main advantage is high energy efficiency with low operating cost in long-term industrial applications.

Do SynRM motors need a VFD?

Yes. SynRM motors require variable frequency drives for optimal performance and control.

SynRM vs PMSM, which is better?

SynRM is better for cost-sensitive energy-saving systems, while PMSM is better for high torque density and precision applications.

Contact us

Consult Your Huima Synchronous Reluctance Motor Experts

We help you avoid the pitfalls to deliver the quality and value your synchronous reluctance motor need, on-time and on-budget.
Inquiry Now
Huima - Save Your Time & Cost
    +8613961298519
Room No. 218, Building 18, Jintong Industrial Xihu Road, Wujin, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
Application
COPYRIGHT © 2024 JIANGSU HUIMA TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.