New converter configurations for switched reluctance motors wherein some windings operate on recovered energy

Two new converter configurations for switched reluctance motors are proposed in which some motor windings are energized using recovered energy from remaining windings. The working principle and various operating modes are discussed in detail. Block diagrams explaining flow of energy are given. Simplified analysis is given and expressions for recovered power are derived. Techniques for designing the drive using a minimum number of components are discussed. Use of bleeder or charger circuits (if necessary) to get balanced output from all the phases is explained. Lastly, experimental results are also included. The proposed converters have been found to be more efficient, less complex, and cost effective.