A review of possible distance education services is given. These services range from narrowband to broadband, from real to non-real time and from broadcast to fully interactive services. The service target groups include the rural schools and communities who are scattered in remote areas. The performances of multiple access techniques, FDMA, TDMA and CDMA when in use for the provision of point-to-multipoint multimedia services is compared. A hybrid of the satellite and terrestrial access networks for the implementation of the distance education services is presented. The feasibility of implementing the proposed satellite network as part of the total network using the FDMA technique is presented. The rest of the work done in the thesis concentrates on the terrestrial network. The terrestrial part of the network is based on fixed cellular DS-CDMA techniques. The fixed cellular network's specifications, modeling and a discussion of the capacity, BER performance, bandwidth requirements and coverage are presented. The link budget estimation of the performance is given. Lastly a review of propagation characteristics for a terrestrial rural environment and a review of DS-CDMA concepts are presented in the appendix. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2001.

This dissertation focuses on the application of tomography in the sugar milling process, specifically within the vacuum pan. The research aims to improve the efficiency and throughput of a sugar mill by producing real-time images of the boiling dynamic in the pan and hence can be used as a diagnostic tool. The real-time tomography system is a combination of ruggedized data collecting hardware, a switching circuit and software algorithms. The system described in this dissertation uses 16 electrodes and estimates images based on the distinct differences in conductivities to be found in the vacuum pan, i.e. a conductive syrup-like fluid (massecuite) and bubbles. There is a direct correlation between the bubbles produced during the boiling process and heat transfer in the pan. From this correlation one can determine how well the pan is operating. The system has been developed in order to monitor specific parts of a pan for optimal boiling. A binary reconstructed image identifies either massecuite or water vapour. Each image is reconstructed using a modified neighbourhood data collection method and a back projection algorithm. The data collection and image reconstruction take place simultaneously, making it possible to generate images in real-time. Each image frame is reconstructed at approximately 1.1 frames per second. Most of the system was developed in LabVIEW, with some added external drive electronics, and functions seamlessly. The tomography system is LAN enabled hence measurements are initiated through a remote PC on the same network and the reconstructed images are streamed to the user. The laboratory results demonstrate that it is possible to generate tomographic images from bubbles vs massecuite, tap water and deionized water in real-time. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The addressed topic is to investigate the power distribution at a base metal refinery and to identify the potential improvement in power consumption efficiency. The work included in this study revealed that the power consumption efficiency at the evaluated base metal refinery can be improved. The significance of this study relates to Eskom’s tariff increases and directive to mining and large industrial companies to reduce their power consumption as well as the recent incremental increase in power tariffs. Base metal refineries are substantial power consumers and will be required to evaluate the efficiency of their base metal production. A load study was conducted at a base metal refinery in order to determine the current power consumption at the various process areas. The measurements obtained from the load study formed the basis for calculations to determine the potential efficiency improvement. The load study revealed that the electro-winning area contributes to the majority of the power consumed (52% of total apparent power) at the refinery. The potential improvement in efficiency at the electro-winning process area was identified by means of evaluating the rectifier and rectifier transformer power consumption. Methods and technologies for the reduction in power consumption was consequently evaluated and quantified. The potential reduction in conductor losses by converting from global power factor correction to localised power factor correction for the major plant areas was furthermore identified as an area of potential efficiency improvement and consequently evaluated. The improvement in motor efficiency across the base metal refinery was identified by means of comparing the efficiency and power factor of high efficiency motors to that of the standard efficiency motors installed at the refinery. The work included in this study reveals that an improvement in power consumption efficiency is achievable at the evaluated base metal refinery. An efficiency improvement of 1.785% (real power reduction of 2.07%) can be achieved by implementing localised power factor correction and high efficiency motors. An average efficiency improvement of 1.282% (total real power reduction of 2.78%) can be achieved with the additional implementation of specialised, high efficiency rectifier transformer designs. The implementation of localised power factor correction as well as high efficiency motors was identified as short term efficiency improvement projects. A financial study was conducted in order to determine the cost and payback period associated with the reduction in real power consumption for implementation of the recommended efficiency improvement projects. The payback period, required to achieve an average efficiency improvement of 1.785%, was calculated to be approximately 4 years. The initial capital investment required to implement the efficiency improvement projects is about R22.5 million. The monthly electricity utility bill savings associated with the efficiency improvement projects is approximately R455,000. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

This thesis discusses the results of an investigation that was initiated in January 1996 to determine the root cause of the increasing fault trend in respect of transient earth faults on the 275 kV transmission grid in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Historically it was thought that the persistently poor performance of this network was caused by pollution faults. This network was reinsulated with silicone composite insulators, and cane fire as well as veld fire management programmes were introduced. These projects did not result in a consistently decreasing fault trend on this 275 kV transmission grid. The burn marks caused by the power arcs, which were identified in this study, appeared to indicate that air gap breakdown was occurring. Birds were also observed in close proximity to the faulted towers. Consequently it was thought that bird streamers caused the transmission line faults. Welded rod bird guards designed to prevent bird streamer faults were installed on eighteen 275 kV transmission lines. The accumulative length of these transmission lines is 932 km. The implementation of this initiative coincided with a 73% reduction in the total number of transient earth faults. This improvement in performance indicates a strong statistical correlation showing that a large number of the transient earth faults on the transmission grid are related to bird streamers. Bird streamer induced faults were identified by means of the following diagnostic techniques: • Burn mark analysis • Time-of-day analysis Bird streamer line faults have been observed on I string, V string and strain jumper assemblies on the 275 kV power lines. However, on the 400 kV power lines bird streamer faults have only been observed on V string assemblies. Experimental work involved simulated bird streamers and determining the minimum flashover distance for AC system voltages. Electric field measurements by means of a capacitive probe were undertaken at the ground plane. The electric field measurements at the ground plane under bird streamer intrusion confirm that if the streamer is moved away from the live tower hardware, the electric field enhancement at the ground plane decreases below the background streamer propagation field. This case study determined that in order to prevent bird streamer faults the bird streamer must be moved away from the live tower hardware. The distance it must be moved is at least 900 mm for 275 kV power lines and 1 100 mm for 400 kV lines. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This thesis begins with a literature review focusing on electric vehicle (EV) applications. Systems used for steering, braking and energy storage are investigated, with specific concentration on torque control in various DC and AC motors commonly used in EVs. A final solution for a low range personal transportation EV in the form of a wheelchair is proposed. The theme for this thesis is motion control, focusing on a two axis (or two wheel drive) brushless DC hub motor (BLDCHM) EV, with torque and direction control tracking a user reference. The operation principle for a BLDCHM is documented and the dynamic and electrical equations derived. Simulation results for motor response under different load and speed conditions are compared to practical measurements. Current and torque control loops are designed, implemented and tuned on a single-axis test-bed with an induction motor (IM) load coupled via a torque transducer. A Texas Instrument DSP development kit is used for the control algorithm bench testing. The final control algorithm is then duplicated and expanded in simulation to form a dynamic two axis system for an electric wheelchair. It incorporates both motor drive and regenerative capabilities. After demonstrating two axis controls for BLDCHMs, a control algorithm is designed simulated and compared to traditional systems. The final solution focuses specifically on an intuitive response to the driver input whilst maintaining direction tracking, even when there is a difference in smoothness of the individual terrains traversed by the left and right wheels. In addition the motor drives are equipped with controllers that ensure regenerative braking in order to recover as much energy as possible when the wheelchair is commanded to decelerate. / M. Sc. Eng. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2014.

Embedded generation (EG) provides many benefits in terms of reduction of system technical losses and increased load carrying capacity. In this study the sustainable EG carrying capacity permutations in a medium voltage distribution system, will be determined. Using these results, the financial investment recovery potential of EG will be studied and the impact on the cost recovery by the Utility as a result of compensating the EG at the current system marginal price, will be analysed. The study was done to show what capitalisation can be done on a medium voltage distribution system, by the owners of EG plant receiving revenue from the Utility, at the system margin price with the anticipated inflationary increases. The study will also cover the effect on the revenue stream of the Utility as a result of voltage changes caused by the EGs to the loads being supplied. The electrical system used in the study consisted of a radial system with distributed load and generation. The distributed loads were modelled using the average load capacity supplied by the Utility in medium voltage system. The average volume of sales lost as a result of non-technical losses was included in the load model so that the overall accuracy of the revenue effect by EG on the Utility, could be increased. The amount of capitalisation that is achievable by the owners of the EG was tested against various practical permutation scenarios, including variation of location, system impedance (different X/R ratios), time of operation and changing load volume and type. The extent of successful penetration of EG into the distribution system was found to be between 20% and 60% of the load carrying capacity of the system. The simulated results revealed “bathtub curve” behaviour for the cost of energy losses and this reconciled with the theoretical analysis of other studies done in this area. Lower volume penetration of EG results in higher investment potential of up to ten million rand per MW with a 5% MARR per year. This is very low when compared to the levelised cost of the expensive renewable energy technologies that are currently available in the market. With higher penetration of EG on low impedance systems, the gross contribution of the Utility is negatively affected which would introduce instability in the SMP yearly increases. / M. Sc. Eng. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

Thesis (PhDEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The advent of new high energy product permanent magnet materials has opened great opportunities for novel electrical machine topologies with advantageous features such as high efficiency and high power/weight ratio. Amongst others, axial field permanent magnet (AFPM) machines with ironless stators are increasingly being used in power generation applications. Because of the absence of the core losses, a generator with this type of design can operate at a substantially high efficiency. Besides, the high compactness and disc-shaped profile make this type of machine particularly suitable for compact integrated power generation systems. Due to construction problems, the generator application of this type of machine has been limited to quite a low power range. There is a need to investigate the performance capability of this type of AFPM machine in the upper medium power level. The focus of this thesis is on the design optimisation of the air-cooled AFPM generator with an ironless stator. A design approach that directly incorporates the finite element field solution in a multi-dimensional optimisation procedure is developed and applied to the design optimisation of a 300 kW (at unity power factor) AFPM generator. To enable an overall design optimisation of the machine, different design aspects, such as the cooling capacity, the mechanical strength and eddy loss, are also studied in this research. To enable the free movement of the rotor mesh with respect to the stator mesh, the air-gap element originally proposed by Razek et. al. is derived for Cartesian coordinate systems. For minimising the large computation overhead associated with this macro element, a number of existing time-saving schemes have been utilised together with the derived Cartesian air-gap element. The developed finite element time-step model is applied to calculating the steadystate performance of the AFPM machine. Since the flux distribution in an AFPM machine is three dimensional by nature, calculating the eddy current loss by merely using a simple analytical method may be subject to a significant error. To overcome this problem, the two dimensional finite element field modelling is introduced to perform accurate field analysis. To exploit the full advantages of the twodimensional finite element modelling, a multi-layer approach is proposed, which takes into account the variation of the air-gap flux density in the conductors with regard to their relative positions in the air-gap. To account for the radial variation of the field, a multi-slice finite element modelling scheme is devised. The thermal analysis is an important aspect of the design optimisation of AFPM machines. From a design point of view, it is preferable to have a simple but effective method for cooling analysis and design, which can easily be adapted to a wide range of AFPM machines. In this thesis a thermofluid model of the AFPM machine is developed. The fluid flow model is needed for calculating the air flow rate, which is then used to find the convective heat transfer coefficients. These are important parameters in the subsequent thermal calculations. Experimental investigations have been carried out to verify each of the above-mentioned models/methods. With these models implemented, the design optimisation of an air-cooled ironless stator 300 kW (at unity power factor) AFPM generator is carried out. The performance measurements done on the fabricated prototype are compared in this thesis with predicted results. The study shows that the proposed design approach can be applied with success to optimise the design of the AFPM machine. The advantages of high power density, high efficiency, no cogging torque and good voltage regulation make this type of AFPM machine very suitable for power generator applications. The optimum steady-state performance of the AFPM machine shows that this machine with an ironless stator is an excellent candidate for high speed power generator applications, even in the upper medium power level. The good cooling capacity of this type of machine holds the promise of its being a self-cooled generator at high power ratings. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die uitvinding van nuwe hoë energiedigtheid permanent magneet materiale het groot geleenthede vir nuwe elektriese masjien topologië laat ontstaan met voordelige eienskappe soos hoë benuttingsgraad en hoë drywing/gewig verhouding. Onder andere word die aksiaalveld permanente magneet (AVPM) masjiene met kernlose stators toenemend gebruik vir elektriese generator toepassings. As gevolg van die afwesigheid van kernverliese kan 'n generator met hierdie tipe ontwerp teen 'n aansienlik hoë benuttingsgraad werk. Daarbenewens maak die hoë kompaktheid en skyfvorm-profiel die masjien in besonder geskik vir die ontwikkeling van kompak geïntegreerde drywing generator stelsels. As gevolg van konstruksie probleme is die toepassing van hierdie tipe masjien as generator beperk tot redelik lae drywingsgebiede. Dit is nodig om die werkverrigtingsvermoë van hierdie tipe AVPM masjien in die boonste medium drywingsgebied te ondersoek. Die fokus van hierdie tesis is op die ontwerp-optimering van 'n lugverkoelde AVPM generator met 'n kernlose stator. 'n Ontwerpsbenadering wat die eindige element veldoplossing in 'n multi-dimensionele optimeringsprosedure insluit, is ontwikkel en toegepas op die ontwerpsoptimering van 'n 300 kW (by eenheidsarbeidsfaktor) AVPM generator. Om 'n globale ontwerpsoptimering van die masjien te kan doen is verskillende ontwerpsaspekte soos die verkoelingskapasiteit, meganiese sterkte en werwelverliese ook in hierdie navorsing bestudeer. Om die vrye beweging van die rotormaas ten opsigte van die statormaas te verseker is die lugspleet-element, soos oorspronklik deur Razek et al voorgestel, afgelei vir Cartesiaanse koórdinaat stelsels. Om die lang berekeningstyd geassosieer met hierdie makro-element te minimaliseer is 'n aantal bestaande tydbesparende metodes saam met die ontwikkelde Cartesiaanse lugspleet-element gebruik. Die ontwikkelde eindige element tydstapmodel is toegepas om die bestendige werkverrigting van die AVPM masjien te bereken. Aangesien die vloedverspreiding in 'n AVPM masjien van nature drie-dimensioneel is, kan die berekening van die werwelstroomverliese tot aansienlike foute lei as eenvoudige analitiese metodes gebruik word. Om hierdie probleem te oorkom is twee-dimensionele eindige element modellering gebruik om akkurate veld-analise te doen. Om die volle voordele van die twee- dimensionele eindige element modellering te eksploiteer is 'n multi-laag benadering voorgestel wat die variasie van die lugspleetvloeddigtheid in die geleiers met betrekking tot hulle relatiewe lugspleetposisies in ag neem. Om voorsiening te maak vir die radiale variasie van die veld, is 'n multi-skyf eindige element modelleringstegniek ontwikkel. Die termiese analise is 'n belangrike aspek van die ontwerpsoptimering van AVPM masjiene. Vanuit 'n ontwerpsoogpunt is dit verkieslik om 'n eenvoudige maar tog effektiewe metode van verkoelingsanalise en -ontwerp te hê wat maklik toegepas kan word op 'n wye reeks van AVPM masjiene. In hierdie tesis word 'n termovloeimodel van die AVPM masjien ontwikkel. Hierdie vloeimodel is nodig vir die berekening van die lugvloeitempo, wat op sy beurt weer nodig is om die konveksie hitte-oordrag koëffisiënte te bepaal. Hierdie is belangrike parameters in die opvolgende termiese berekeninge. Eksperimentele ondersoek is uitgevoer om elkeen van die bogenoemde modelle en metodes te verifieer. Nadat hierdie modelle geïmplimenteer is, is die ontwerpsoptimering van 'n 300 kW (by eenheidsarbeidsfaktor) lugverkoelde kernlose stator AVPM generator uitgevoer. Die werkverrigtingmetings gedoen op 'n vervaardigde prototipe masjien, word in hierdie tesis vergelyk met voorspelde resultate. Daar word getoon dat die voorgestelde ontwerpsbenadering met sukses toegepas kan word om die ontwerp van die AVPM masjien te optimeer. Die voordele van hoë drywingsdigtheid, hoë benuttingsgraad, geen vertandingsdraaimomente en goeie spanningsregulasie maak hierdie masjien baie aantreklik vir generator toepassings. Die optimum bestendige werkverrigting van die AVPM masjien toon dat hierdie masjien met 'n kernlose stator 'n goeie kandidaat is vir hoë spoed generator toepassings, selfs in die boonste medium drywingsgebied. Die goeie verkoelingskapasiteit van hierdie tipe masjien hou die belofte in van'n selfverkoelde generator by hoë drywing aanslae.

Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The behaviour of induction motors at a petrochemical plant under transient conditions was investigated with the view to improve plant immunity to voltage fluctuations. The benefits of using a phase-variable induction motor model rather than the simpler d-q models usually employed are investigated. A simplified model of the plant electrical distribution system was derived. Phase variable and d-q induction motor models were implemented as well as a synchronous generator model. Practical considerations precluded the use of commercial software for the simulation of transient conditions and a basic simulation program was developed using Matlab to evaluate the behaviour of the dynamic machine models and distribution system. It was established that the configuration of the installed re-acceleration system can be optimised to reduce the possibility of plant outages as a result of voltage fluctuations. It was found that the use of more detailed induction machine models provide valuable insight into system behaviour and is justified if accurate motor parameters are available or can be estimated. The simplified plant model yielded useful results and enabled the identification of incorrect system data. The investigation showed that Matlab is suitable for the rapid development of a basic transient simulation program that can be used to study the behaviour of different interconnected dynamic machine models. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gedrag van induksiemotors in 'n petrochemiese aanleg onder oorgangstoestande is ondersoek ten einde die immuniteit van die aanleg vir spanningsfluktuasies te verbeter. Die voordele van die gebruik van 'n fase-veranderlike induksiemotor model eerder as die eenvoudiger d-q modelle wat normaalweg gebruik word is ondersoek. 'n Vereenvoudigde model van die aanleg se elektriese distribusiestelsel is afgelei. Faseveranderlike en d-q induksiemotor modelle is geimplementeer sowel as 'n sinkroongenerator model. Praktiese oorwegings het die gebruik van kommersiële programmatuur vir die simulasie van oorgangstoestande verhoed en 'n basiese program is in Matlab ontwikkel om die gedrag dinamiese masjienmodelle en die distribusiestelsel te evalueer. Daar is vasgestel dat die konfigurasie van die geinstalleerde herversnellerstelsel geoptimeer kan word om die moontlikheid van aanleg onderbrekings as gevolg van spanningsfluktuasies te verminder. Daar is gevind dat die gebruik van meer gedetaileerde induksiemasjien modelle waardevolle insig in die gedrag van die stelsel lewer en geregverdig is indien akkurate motorparameters beskikbaar is of afgeskat kan word. Die vereenvoudigde model van die aanleg het bruikbare resultate gelewer en die het die identifikasie van foutiewe stelseldata moontlik gemaak. Die ondersoek het getoon dat Matlab geskik is vir die snelle ontwikkeling van 'n basiese oorgangsimulasie program wat gebruik kan word om die gedrag van verskillende gekoppelde dinamiese masjienemodelle te bestudeer.

Thesis (MScEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main objective of this research project was to develop a methodology which can be used to assist in developing an insulator pollution severity application map (INSMAP), more particularly for South Africa. The techniques must be able to assist in determining pollution severity levels. At the inception of this project a phase one insulator pollution severity application map was available; this map was based on an existing corrosion map, climatic maps and dust gauge measurements. The phase one map was conservative and did not highlight localised pollution. To confirm and possibly improve on this map, a phase two map was developed, which was based on feedback from Eskom field personnel via an electronic insulator pollution questionnaire survey (based on IEC 60815 guidelines).Jhe questionnaire was incorrectly completed in most cases due to a lack of understanding by field personnel of environmental pollution and the impact on insulator performance. This resulted in an unrealistic map with exaggerated contamination levels. To confirm the findings of the phase one map, a phase three approach was followed, which was focused on an investigation into pollution measurement techniques and methodologies. Based on the phase one map, a need was identified to confirm by measurements the impact of distance-to-coast. Also, the validity of installing a dust gauge at 3 metres above ground level, while insulators are at a height of 8 to 40 meters, had to be investigated. Two pollution monitoring programmes were established: a distance-to-coast and height-above-ground environmental pollution study. Various test methods are described with a complete testing procedure, descriptive equations and related pollution severity classifications for insulator pollution (DDG and ESDD) and corrosion (CLIMAT and metal specimens). The distance-to-coast test results confirm the phase one map, while the height-aboveground measurements justify the installation of dust gauges at 3 metres above ground level. Good correlations were found for the distance-to-coast study between insulator pollution severity and corrosion rates. From the height-above-ground study, a slight (insignificant) decrease in pollution levels was found for increase in height for insulator pollution and corrosion tests. Recommendations are made on setting up a basic pollution monitoring station. Key words: Insulator pollution, Corrosion, Distance, Height. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoofoogmerk van hierdie navorsingprojek was die ontwikkeling van 'n metodiek om 'n isolator besoedelingskaart saam te stel, meer spesifiek vir Suid Afrika. Die tegnieke moet die besoedelingsvlakke en impak-afstand van elke besoedelingvlak aandui. 'n Fase een isolator besoedelingskaart het reeds bestaan by die aanvang van hierdie projek, hierdie kaart was gebaseer op 'n bestaande korrosiekaart. Die fase een kaart was baie konserwatief en het nie lokale besoedeling aangedui nie. Dit was besluit om die fase een kaart te verbeter en 'n fase twee kaart was ontwikkel wat gebaseer was op 'n elektroniese isolator-besoedeling vraelys wat deur Eskom se tegniese veldpersoneel voltooi is. Die vraelys is in baie gevalle verkeerdelik ingevul, as gevolg van 'n gebrek aan die kennis oor besoedeling en die impak daarvan op isolatorprestasie. Dit het tot 'n onrealistise kaart gelei met onakurate besoedelingsvlakke. 'n Fase drie ontwikkeling is begin, waar 'n ondersoek gekyk het na metingstegnieke en metodiek vir besoedelingsmetings. 'n Volledige toetsprosedure, beskrywende vergelykings en besoedelingklassifikasies is ontwikkel vir die isolator-besoedeling (DDG en ESDD) en korrosietoetse (CLIMAT en metaal monsters). Toetsstasie seleksiekriterea vir die geografiese plasing van 'n toetsstasie is vasgestel. Twee toetsprogamme is vasgestel: 'n afstand-van-see en 'n hoogte-bo-grondvlak besoedelingsstudie. Die afstand-van-see studie het 'n impak-afstand vir elke besoedelingsvlak vir beide isolatorbesoedeling en korrosietoetse vasgestel. 'n Goeie korrelasie is vasgestel tussen isolator-besoedeling en korrosievlakke. Vir die hoogte-bo-grondvlak studie was gevind dat daar 'n klein (weglaatbare) vermindering in besoedelingsvlakke met toename in hoogte bo grondvlak vir isolatorbesoedeling- en korrosievlakke onstaan. 'n Goeie korrelasie bestaan tussen isolatorbesoedeling- en korrosievlakke. Aanbevelings word gemaak vir die opstel van 'n basiese besoedelingsmetingstasie. Sleutelwoorde: Isolator besoedeling, Korrosie, Afstand, Hoogte.

Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis deals with the design and optimisation of medium power traction switched reluctance machines with tapered and straight stator poles. Only the prototype of the tapered stator pole machine is constructed and evaluated in this study. A non-commercial finite element package is used in the design and optimisation of the machines. The finite element method is applied directly in the optimisation procedure to optimise the design of the machines in multi-dimensions. The lumped circuit analysis method is used only for the purpose of verifying some of the finite element calculated. It is not used in the optimisation procedure. The performance characteristics of the tapered and straight stator pole machines are compared and discussed and the tapered stator pole machine is found to have better torque performance. Also the calculated and measured static torque versus rotor position characteristics of the tapered stator pole machine are compared and discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis beskryf die ontwerp en optimering van medium drywing trekkrag geskakelde reluktansie masjiene met tapse en reguit stator pole. Slegs 'n prototipe van die tapse stator pool masjien is gebou en geëvalueer. Die masjiene is ontwerp en geoptimeer met behulp van 'n nie-kommersiële eindige element metode pakket. Die eindige element metode is direk in die optimerings algoritme gebruik vir die optimering van die masjiene in multi-dimensies. Die gekonsentreede parameter stroombaananalise is slegs gebruik om sommige van die eindige element berekenings te verifeer. Die vermoës van die tapse en reguit stator pool masjiene is vergelyk en bespreek. Die resultate toon dat die tapse stator pool masjien se draaimoment vermoë beter is as die van die reguit stator pool masjien. Die berekende en gemete statiese draaimoment teenoor rotorposisie van die tapse stator pool masjien is ook vergelyk en bespreek.