Abstract:
An improved single-switch control circuit for use in a multi-phase switched reluctance machine is provided. The control circuit includes at least first and second phase windings, a switch, a capacitor, and a diode. The capacitor may have a polarity opposite that of a power source in the control circuit. The first winding may be connected in series with the switch and connected in parallel with a circuit block comprising the second winding. The second winding may be connected in parallel with the capacitor and in series with the diode. In operation, the switch may be used to redirect current from the first winding to the second winding. The capacitor can become charged by the redirected current until it eventually stores enough energy to essentially discontinue current flow in the first winding. Then, the capacitor can discharge its stored energy as a current through the second winding. In this manner, substantially all of the energy from the first winding can be transferred to the second winding.
Abstract:
A method for collecting operational parameters of a motor may include controlling the energization of a phase winding of the motor to establish an operating point, monitoring operational parameters of the motor that characterize a relationship between the energization control applied to the motor's phase winding and the motor's response to this control, and collecting information of the operational parameters for the operating point that characterizes the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response. The collected information characterizing the relationship between the applied energization control and the motor's response may be employed by a neural network to estimate the regions of operation of the motor. And a system for controlling the operation of motor may employ this information, the neural network, or both to regulate the energization of a motor's phase winding di-ring a phase cycle.
Abstract:
A two-phase switched reluctance motor in an embodiment includes a plurality of salient rotor poles that each have asymmetric reluctances about a central radial axis of the respective rotor pole. Each of the rotor poles has the same width, and the rotor poles are operable to provide preferential torque generation in one direction of rotation for all rotor positions. Such preferential torque generation occurs under the influence of an electromagnetic flux, which is provided by a plurality of salient stator poles having substantially the same width as the rotor poles.
Abstract:
A method for identifying an operational phase of a motor may include obtaining a first value of a signal that is indicative of the operational phase of the motor and obtaining a second value of the signal after a period of time has expired. The method further includes identifying a first operational phase of the motor if the second value exceeds the first value by a non-negative first threshold value. A second operational phase of the motor is identified if the second value does not exceed the first value by the first threshold value. The first and second operational phases may correspond to relative positions of a motor's rotor and stator, such that periods of energization may be identified for producing motoring or regenerative torque.
Abstract:
A power converter for a switched reluctance motor (SRM) or a permanent magnet brushless direct current (do) motor (PMBDCM) may include a front-end boost partial circuit for connecting with a first phase winding of the motor to form a front-end boost circuit and a back-end boost partial circuit for connecting with a second phase winding of the motor to form a back-end boost circuit. The front-end boost partial circuit generates a first step-up voltage in cooperation with the inductance provided by the first phase winding. The back-end boost partial circuit generates a second step-up voltage in cooperation with the inductance provided by the second phase winding.
Abstract:
A TPSRM may include a stator, having a plurality of poles and a ferromagnetic or iron back material, and a rotor having a plurality of poles and a ferromagnetic or iron back material. A current flowing through coils wound around a first set of the plurality of stator poles induces a flux flow through the first set of stator poles and portions of the stator back material during a first excitation phase. A current flowing through coils wound around a second set of the plurality of stator poles induces a flux flow through the second set of stator poles and portions of the stator back material during a second excitation phase. The numbers of stator and rotor poles for this TPSRM are selected such that substantially no flux reversal occurs in any part of the stator back material as a result of transitioning between the first and second excitation phases.
Abstract:
A rotor for an electrical motor may include a plurality of salient radial field rotor poles and a plurality of salient axial field rotor poles. The radial field rotor poles and the axial field rotor poles are respectively oriented on the rotor to receive or convey substantially perpendicular flux fields. Additionally, the radial field rotor poles may include both inner and outer peripheral rotor poles for communicating radial flux fields with separate coaxial stators.
Abstract:
A power converter for a switched reluctance motor or a permanent magnet brushless direct current (dc) motor may include first and second partial circuits for forming multiple conduction circuits in cooperation with first and second phase windings of the motor. The controller also includes a switch operable to open and close a first conduction circuit, which includes the first phase winding, and to regulate energization of the first and second phase windings of the motor through opening and closing the first conduction circuit. Control of the switch provides four-quadrant operation of the motor through regulated energization of the first and second phase windings.