Output Power Maximization and Optimal Symmetric Freewheeling Excitation for Switched Reluctance Generators

Space constraint is a limiting factor for the widespread commercial adaptation of switched reluctance generators (SRGs). Maximizing the output power and minimizing the dc bus filter size are thus highly desired. The output power profiles of a typical SRG are determined by applying various excitation angles. Excitation for maximum output power is obtained while limiting the rms value of the phase currents. The dc bus current of an SRG drive, operating in single pulse mode, is highly distorted by low-frequency ripples. Introducing a freewheeling angle in the excitation pattern can lower the current ripple factor. A novel transform is proposed to establish a relationship between the conventional and the freewheeling excitation patterns. An optimal symmetric freewheeling excitation is accordingly proposed that uses an optimal freewheeling angle and minimizes the ripple factor of the dc bus current while keeping other operational variables intact. Consequently, the output power maximization and current ripple minimization processes are decoupled. This decoupling technique accelerates the overall optimization process. Numerical simulation and hardware measurements verify the proposed methodology.