Model Predictive Current Control of Mutually Coupled Switched Reluctance Machines using a Three-Phase Voltage Source Converter

In this paper, a model predictive current controller (MPCC) is proposed for short-pitched mutually coupled switched reluctance machines (MCSRMs) using a three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) to achieve fast dynamics and advanced current tracking ability. Due to strong mutually coupling between phases, to our knowledge, MPCC for MCSRMs has not been studied yet. A two-order flux-based prediction model of the MCSRMs using the VSC is presented with standard state space equations in discrete-time domain, based on which, the current regulation is achieved by solving a constrained optimization problem. With the receding optimal duty ratio input, MPCC demonstrates good current tracking ability, which is verified by simulations with a three-phase, sinusoidal excitation 12/8 MCSRM. Compared to hysteresis current control, the current response with MPCC bears lower current ripples and a fixed switching frequency.