Working zones of an AC autonomous switched reluctance generator

Abstract

In this paper it is described the behaviour in steady-state of a Switched Reluctance (SR) machine working in generating mode. Contrary to a standard SR motor working in generating mode to brake the machine in this work it is considered an AC autonomous self-excited generator where the phase inductance resonates with a capacitance yielding to almost sinusoidal currents and voltages. Along an oscillating cycle the machine experiments several kinds of energy transformation among electric, magnetic and mechanic. The paper describes step by step all these possible working zones that the machine experiments within a cycle. For this purpose, the flux linked by a phase as a function of phase current is studied. The linear case is first simulated and the nonlinear case later. To compare the results the peak of phase linked flux is maintained constant. In both cases the output voltage quality is considered through the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Additionally, the delivered power is considered under nonlinear conditions.