Multilevel modeling and simulation of a switched reluctance machine

In this paper, the modeling and simulation of a switched reluctance machine is described. Modeling and simulation is an already accepted method in the design of drive systems. The entire drive, including power converter, SRM, mechanical load and control are modeled in one multilevel model. The paper explains why use is made of a multilevel package for modeling and simulation of a complete drive system. The application of mechatronic systems requires more modeling effort compared to modeling of regular electronic systems. This is caused by the difference in models for the electrical machine, the power converter and the control of the drive. A multilevel model is applied which combines the circuit model, a block diagram and programming language, and thereby eases the modeling process. Due to the required small fine step in the simulation of the power converter, the total simulation time is large. Therefore, a simulation program must used, which has special ideal models for the semiconductor switches and thus reduces total simulation time. Results from the simulation show the internal waveforms of the converter, such as the rotor angle dependent inductance of the stator, angular frequency of the rotor and the torque produced by the SRM.