Design, Power Electronics and Torque Control of Switched Reluctance Machines

Abstract

In the last decade, increased tendency in the field of automotive industry was focused on the development of highly efficient and low-cost electric propulsion systems to replace the existing internal combustion solutions. The aim is to reduce the pollution due to carbon dioxide emissions into the air. Several electric machine topologies with their power electronics, control and supply units are continuously in the development process to reach the desired goal. One such machine is the switched reluctance machine (SRM), reaching increased power density, low cost and possibility of continuous operation despite fault occurrence. Designing the machine, choosing its power electronics and controlling the machine to diminish the negative effect of the torque ripples are key points in reaching the proper propulsion system. The main topics presented in detail in this chapter are managing the reader's skills with an analytic design breviary, presenting the machine's control strategies for instantaneous torque linearization and finally, showing a power converter topology with increased performances in low voltage applications. To be more close to such an application, the exampled machine is developed for a light electric vehicle for people with physical disabilities. Operational skills of the machine will be validated based on complex simulations.