Analysis and design of a low-cost converter for switched reluctance motor drives

The analysis and design of a low cost, one-switch-per-phase power converter topology suitable for low performance switched reluctance motor (SRM) applications are described. The converter has the advantage of using a minimum possible number of semiconductor devices in the power circuit without the attendant need for a bifilar winding, so that its drive requirements are minimal and the windings are simple. This is achieved by eliminating the additional semiconductor switch(es) normally required for regeneration. Energy stored in the phase windings during conduction time is partially dissipated in a resistor, whereas the rest is converted to mechanical power. A complete steady-state analysis of the drive including the input filter parameters is given. Closed-form expressions for determining the current and voltage stresses on the semiconductor devices are derived, and they are cast in normalized form for use in selecting the ratings of the power devices. Experimental verification of the key results is provided for a 6/4-pole SRM drive system