Optimized regenerative braking of induction machines with indirect field-oriented control

Regenerative braking, which involves conversion of kinetic energy to electric energy, is a key technology used to improve the efficiency of motor drive systems. This paper develops and compares two regenerative braking control laws for induction machines operating under field orientation principles to achieve regulation of torque and flux. One control law maximizes the controllable electric energy returned over the entire duration of a braking event, whereas the other control law maximizes the controllable electric power returned at each time instant throughout a braking event. Simulations and experiments are presented to illustrate the proposed control methods.