Cost-effective electronics for AC switched reluctance generators loading batteries

In this paper, the Switched Reluctance Machine (SRM) is used as an AC generator. Power management requires circuit schemes based on well-known rectifiers which are shown and discussed. The aim of the circuits is to load a battery bank. As the operating conditions of the generator are associated with rotor speed, the topologies shown allow the generator to work in optimum conditions from the point of view of power capacity. The system generates at variable rotor speed and if the prime mover is a windmill, the optimum conditions referred to extract the maximum power available at each speed. This system tries to provide competitive solutions for alternatives to small generators based on permanent magnet machines.