Model predictive control of stator currents in Switched Reluctance Generators

Control of phase current is an integral part of operation in Switched Reluctance Generators (SRG). Since machine windings experience a substantial back-emf during generation, stator phase currents tend to increase even after the phase is turned off. This in turn necessitates an oversized converter, thereby increasing the cost and overall size of the system. Moreover, due to variations in speed of the prime mover, the power electronic converter should be designed for the worst possible case. This will magnify the additional cost and size issues. Furthermore, implementation of a current profiling scheme for specific reasons such as active vibration cancellation, etc. requires an online estimation of the motional back-emf. In the present paper, a novel method for controlling the current in SRG is proposed. This method enhances the cost and size of the power electronics converter. In addition, using an online estimation of motional back-emf, it makes current profiling in the stator windings possible. This will pave the way for advanced applications of SRG in automotive, aerospace and other challenging places. It must be noted that this method does not require any extra circuitry or memory for its implementation.