A dynamic simulation model based on finite element method for switched reluctance generator

Using ANSYS finite element package, an electromagnetic simulation model is developed for switched reluctance generator (SRG) in which dynamic characteristics are predicted precisely with finite element method (FEM). Carrying out 2D finite element (FE) transient analysis, instantaneous phase current and stator pole flux waveform are predicted when magnetic saturation is considered in the analysis. Based on a systematical algorithm, flux waveforms within the machine are derived analytically from predicted stator pole flux waveform and then core loss is estimated. The model is applied to an 8/6 SRG and simulation results are presented. Since the simulation model is developed as a parametric model in ANSYS parametric design language (APDL), it is possible to evaluate the effect of design data and the control parameters on SRG performance. Applying the developed simulation model to other types of conventional switched reluctance generators which are 6/4 SRG and 12/8 SRG, simulation results are presented and compared to those given for 8/6 SRG.