A Multilevel Power Converter for Switched Reluctance Motors with Integrated Battery Charging Capability

This paper presents an integrated multilevel power converter (IMLPC) that includes battery charging functionality within a switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive system. By integrating the battery charger into the IMLPC design, the need for separate charging modules is eliminated. In motor operation, the IMLPC enhances energization and de-energization voltages, optimizing SRM performance. During charging, it operates as an onboard charger (OBC), delivering power to the battery storage system directly from a standard AC source. The OBC functionality is achieved by reconfiguring the IMLPC into an interleaved bridgeless boost power factor correction circuit (IBBPFCC). The inductors required for the IBB-PFCC are created by reusing the SRM windings. Additionally, reconfigured winding currents result in zero net torque, ensuring that the rotor remains stationary during charging without the need for external braking. The simulation and experimental outcomes validate the efficacy of the proposed IMLPC for level-1 charging applications.