Despite its simple construction, robustness and low manufacturing cost, the application areas of SR motors are remained limited due to the high level of acoustic noise and torque ripple. In this thesis work, two different type of controllers are designed and implemented in order to minimize the acoustic noise and torque ripple which are considered as the major problems of SR motors. In this scope, first the possible acoustic noise sources are investigated. A sliding mode controller is designed and implemented to reduce the shaft torque ripple which is considered as a major source of acoustic noise. The performance of the controller is experimentally tested and it is observed that especially in low speed region reduction of torque ripple is significant. The torque ripple minimization performance of the controller is also tested at different speeds and the acoustic noise levels are recorded simultaneously. Comparing the noise mitigation with the noise reduction the correlation between the acoustic noise and shaft torque ripple is investigated. The results obtained from this investigation indicated that the torque ripple is not a major source of acoustic noise in SR motors. After this finding, radial force which is the other possible acoustic noise source of SRM is taken into consideration. The effects of control parameters on radial force and the motor efficiency are investigated via simulations. With the intuition obtained from this analysis, a switching angle neuro-controller is designed to minimize the peak level of radial forces. The performance of the mentioned controller is verified through noise records under steady state conditions. Regarding to the radial force simulations and the acoustic noise measurements, it is deduced that the radial force is the major source of acoustic noise. On the other hand, another controller is designed and implemented which increases the average torque per ampere value in order to increase the efficiency of the motor. It is seen that this controller has a good effect on increasing the efficiency but does not guarantee to operate at maximum efficiency.

Recently, permanent magnet assisted (PMa)-synchronous reluctance motors (SynRM) have been considered as a possible alternative motor drive for high performance applications. In order to have an efficient motor drive, performing of three steps in design of the overall drive is not avoidable. These steps are design optimization of the motor, identification of the motor parameter and implementation of an advanced control system to ensure optimum operation. Therefore, this dissertation first deals with the design optimization of the Permanent Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor (PMa-SynRM). Various key points in the rotor design of a low cost PMa-SynRM are introduced and their effects are studied. Finite element approach has been utilized to show the effects of these parameters on the developed average electromagnetic torque and the total d-q inductances. As it can be inferred from the name of the motor, there are some permanent magnets mounted in the rotor core. One of the features considered in the design of this motor is the magnetization of the permanent magnets mounted in the rotor core using the stator windings to reduce the manufacturing cost. At the next step, identification of the motor parameters is discussed. Variation of motor parameters due to temperature and airgap flux has been reported in the literatures. Use of off-line models for estimating the motor parameters is known as a computationally intensive method, especially when the models include the effect of cross saturation. Therefore in practical applications, on-line parameter estimation is favored to achieve a high performance control system. In this dissertation, a simple practical method for parameter estimation of the PMa-SynRM is introduced. Last part of the dissertation presents one advanced control strategy which utilized the introduced parameter estimator. A practical Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) control scheme along with a simple parameter estimator for PMa-SynRM is introduced. This method is capable of maintaining the MTPA condition and stays robust against the variations of motor parameters. Effectiveness of the motor design procedure and the control strategy is validated by presenting simulation and experimental results of a 1.5 kW prototype PMa-SynRM, designed and manufactured through the introduced design method.

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Alfeu Joãozinho Sguarezi Filho / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Elétrica, 2017. / Neste trabalho é estudado o gerador de relutância variável 12/8 aplicado em sistemas de geração eólica. Para a conexão do gerador com a rede elétrica será empregado o conversor em ponte assimétrico que compartilha o barramento de corrente contínua com um inversor. O conversor assimétrico tem a função de controlar a tensão no elo de corrente contínua e emprega controladores PIs para este fim. Já, o inversor conectado à rede elétrica controla as potências injetadas na rede por meio da técnica de controle orientado por tensão empregando controladores PIs. Analisou-se também as condições da máquina em termos de indução magnética através de simulações computacionais, pelo Método dos Elementos Finitos, com intuito de verificar e estimar os níveis de indução garantindo que a operação do controle atue de fato em condição de não saturação da máquina. Resultados das simulações de operação do gerador conectado à rede elétrica trifásica e dos níveis de indução magnética são apresentados para validar a proposta. / This academic work examines the switched reluctance generator 12/8 applied in wind power generation systems. A asymmetric bridge converter shares the DC link with an inverter that allows generator connection to the power grid. The asymmetric half bridge converter has the function of controlling the voltage of the DC link and uses PI controllers for this purpose. Already, the inverter connected to the grid controls the power injected into the grid across voltage oriented controle by employing PIs voltage controllers. It was also analyzed the machine conditions in terms of magnetic induction through computational simulations, by the Finite Element Method, in order to verify and estimate the induction levels, ensuring that the operation of the control actually acts in the condition of non-saturation of the machine. Results of the operation simulations of the generator connected to the three-phase electric grid and the magnetic induction levels are presented to validate the proposal

A máquina a relutância chaveada ganhou considerável atenção da comunidade científica com o desenvolvimento da eletrônica de potência e é considerada hoje uma máquina elétrica promissora para algumas aplicações, principalmente aquelas onde há a necessidade de operação em velocidade variável seja como motor ou como gerador. Sendo assim, este trabalho apresenta a dinâmica de funcionamento de uma máquina a relutância chaveada, com uma estrutura 6 x 4, ou seja contendo seis pólos no estator e quatro pólos no rotor, operando no modo gerador. A dinâmica de funcionamento é apresentada e comparada através de resultados experimentais e resultados simulados em ambiente Matlab/Simulink. Os resultados experimentais foram possíveis devido a construção de um protótipo da máquina e da montagem de uma bancada de testes. O projeto desenvolvido para construção do protótipo e da bancada de testes é apresentado neste trabalho. / Switched reluctance machines have received considerable attention from the scientific community due to advances in power electronics, and now is considered a promising electric machine for some applications, especially where variable speed operations are needed for motor or generator. Therefore, this work presents the dynamics of a switched reluctance machine, operating as a generator, with 6 x 4 structure, i.e., six stator poles and four poles in the rotor. Experimental results, which were obtained from a machine prototype installed on a test bench, were compared with Matlab/Simulink computational simulations. The designing aspects for the prototype construction are also discussed in this work.

Le domaine de la traction électrique a suscité un très grand intérêt dans les dernières années. La conception optimale de l'ensemble moteur électrique de traction – onduleur doit prendre en compte une variété de critères et contraintes. Étant donnée la liaison entre la géométrie du moteur et la stratégie de commande de l'onduleur, l'optimisation de l'ensemble de traction doit prendre en considération, en même temps, les deux composants.L'objectif de la thèse est la conception d'un outil d'optimisation appliqué à un système de traction électrique légère qu'emploie un moteur à réluctance variable alimenté (MRVCE) par un onduleur triphasé en pont complet. Le MRVCE est modélisé en utilisant la technique par réseau de perméances. En même temps, la technique de commande électronique peut être facilement intégrée dans le modèle pour effectuer l'analyse dynamique du fonctionnement du moteur. L'outil d'optimisation réalisé utilise l'algorithme par essaim de particules, modifié pour résoudre des problèmes multi-objectif. Les objectifs sont liés à la qualité des caractéristiques de fonctionnement du moteur, en temps que les variables d'optimisation concernent la géométrie du moteur aussi que la technique de commande. Les performances de l'algorithme sont comparées avec ceux de l'algorithme génétique (NSGA-II) et d'une implémentation classique de l'algorithme par essaim de particules multi-objectif.Finalement, un prototype de moteur à réluctance variable est construit et le fonctionnement du MRVCE alimenté depuis l'onduleur triphasé en pont complet est implémenté et les outils de modélisation et d'optimisation sont validés / The interest for the electric traction applications has been growing in the last few years. The optimal design of the electric motor and of the inverter that powers it needs to consider a long list of restrictions and criteria. Because of the fact that the geometry of the motor and the switching strategy are closely linked, the optimization of the traction solution needs to consider both, at the same time.The objective of this thesis is the development of an optimization tool applied for the optimization of an electric traction solution that uses the switched reluctance motor (SRM) fed from a three phase full bridge inverter. The SRM is modeled using Permeance Network Analysis (PNA). The switching technique can be easily integrated in the model, which gives the possibility to run a dynamic analysis. The optimization tool created uses the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, modified for multi-objective problems. The algorithms performances are compared with those of the Genetic Algorithm, using the NSGA-II multi-objective technique and with a classic version of multiple objective particle swarm optimizer (MOPSO).Finally, a SRM prototype is constructed and the drive solution using a full-bridge three phase inverter is implemented. The modeling and optimization tools are thus experimentally validated

Master thesis deals with analysis of the definite synchronous reluctance motor with salient poles and design of synchronous reluctance motor with barriers for magnetic flux. The work is divided into five parts. In the first part there is a brief overview of realized synchronous reluctance motor designs and also operating principle of motor of this type is described. The next part contains the basic parameters of the synchronous reluctance motor with salient poles; the parameters were found with analytical calculation. The third part demonstrates verified by means of FEMM results of analytical calculations for linear and nonlinear states and with transient analysis of motor using Ansys Maxwell environment. In the following part results of testing of the synchronous reluctance motor with salient poles are presented as well as the comparation of these results with calculated values and the results of simulations. The closing part of the thesis shows the design of synchronous reluctance motor with barriers for magnetic flux. All obtained parameters were examined using FEMM and Ansys Maxwell. The final version of the proposed motor was analysed when supplied directly by mains and through the converter by Maxwell- Simplorer co-simulation.

In this thesis different methods of optimizing line start permanent magnet motor (LSPM) for magnet cost reduction is studied. Influence of different parameters has been studied by simulating magneto-static and transient FEM models of the machine. Finally a motor design of a LSPM with high rotor saliency has been proposed. The first method investigated is the use of flux barriers in LSPM and its effect on the magnetic flux leakage. The flux barriers reduce the flux leakage and hence help in reducing magnet volume. The second method studied is the use of two different grades of magnets. Using low price magnets help in reducing the total magnet cost without reducing the air gap flux density. The reduction in NdFeB magnet volume is not substantial by using both the methods mentioned above. The third method investigated is increasing the saliency of the rotor by introducing flux barriers and reducing the corresponding magnet volume. Both the magneto static and transient models are used to study the effect of different parameters of the motor. The placement and volume of magnet plays a critical role in motor performance. At first, the developed reluctance torque of the motor is maximized by doing parametric study and then magnets are placed in slots to achieve the required efficiency and power factor. The motor is simulated with NdFeB magnets and with Ferrite magnets. It has been found that using high saliency LSPM motor the NdFeB magnet volume can be reduced significantly. It is also shown that the same performance of motor (as compared to the motor with NdFeB magnets) can be achieved by using Ferrite magnets. The volume of Ferrite magnet required will be larger but still cost-wise using Ferrite is an attractive choice. Therefore, a design of motor is proposed using both NdFeB magnets and Ferrite magnets. Finally, the performance of proposed LSPM motor with high saliency is compared with that of an induction motor.

Permanent magnets synchronous reluctance (PMSynRel) motors are attractive due to their high torque density and because a lower quantity of permanent magnets is necessary in comparison with other permanent magnet machines. This thesis deals with the analysis of PMSynRel machines using a finite element method (FEM) and reluctance networks. First, a PMSynRel machine model is built in order to carry out simulations using a finite element method package. The effect of different design parameters such as the combination of the number of poles and slots, the number of flux barriers or the number of magnets can be studied since the implementation provides the possibility to change those variables. Next, a reluctance networks model, aimed to enable lower computation times than corresponding finite element models, is implemented for analysing the flux density distributions along the air gap of the machine disregarding the magnetic influence of the rotor. Finally, the results are compared with FEM simulations. It is concluded that the agreement reached is satisfactory in most of the cases analysed.

This thesis focuses on modelling of the permanent magnet synchronous reluctancemotor (PMSynRM), which has drawn considerable attention by researchers thanks toits high efficiency and wide range of speed operation. Comparisons with measurementsfrom a four-pole PMSynRM with four barriers and 24 stator slots have been carriedout. In this thesis work, Matlab and Comsol Multiphysics are used to implement theparameterized PMSynRM model.Models of the PMSynRM in two-dimensions (2D) and three-dimensions (3D) havebeen implemented. The electromotive force (back emf) at no load condition for a fullpitchand short-pitch winding as well as the air-gap flux density distribution have beencalculated. A parametric study has been performed where the air-gap length, insulationratio of both d and q-axes, as well as flux barrier number have been varied and theeffect on the machine performance has been observed. The losses including eddycurrentlosses in permanent magnet, stator lamination loss, and rotor lamination losshave been calculated. The back emf and rated torque as well as developed torque witha pure q-axis current have been compared with corresponding experimental data.A 3D model of an axially shortened rotor has also been implemented in where apulsating current has been applied to estimate eddy-current losses in the permanentmagnets. The predicted losses from the 2D model and 3D model have been comparedfor pulsating currents with varying frequency and magnitude. / Denna avhandling fokuserar på modellering av permanentmagneten synkronreluktansmotor (PMSynRM), som har fäst stor uppmärksamhet av forskare tack varedess höga effektivitet och brett spektrum av hastigheter. Jämförelser med mätningarfrån en fyrpolig PMSynRM med fyra hinder och 24 statorspåren har utförts. I dettaexamensarbete, Matlab och Comsol Multi används för att implementera parameterPMSynRM modell. Modeller av PMSynRM i två dimensioner (2D) och tre dimensioner(3D) har genomförts. Den elektromotoriska kraften (mot-emk) utanbelastningstillstånd för en full-pitch och kort stigning lind samt luftgapetfördelningsflödestäthet har beräknats. En parametrisk studie har gjorts där luftspaltlängden,isolering förhållande av både d- och q-axlar, såväl somflödesbarriärnummer har varierats och effekten på maskinens prestanda harobserverats. Förlusterna inklusive virvelströmsförluster i permanentmagnet,statorskiktet förlust, och rotorlamine förlust har beräknats. Mot-emk och nominelltvridmoment samt utvecklat vridmoment med en ren q-axelström har jämförts medmotsvarande experimentella data. En 3D-modell av en axiellt förkortad rötor har ocksågenomförts i där en pulserande ström har tillämpats för att uppskattavirvelströmsförluster i permanentmagneterna. De förutsagda förluster från 2Dmodellenoch 3D-modell har jämförts för pulserande strömmar med varierandefrekvens och storlek.

The development of an add-on sensorless position estimator for a 4.8 m Linear Switched Reluctance Machine (LSRM) with minimal modifications to the transducer-based controller is investigated for the first time in this study. LSRMs require position feedback for closed-loop control but present a low cost, high energy efficiency alternative for linear actuation due to their rugged construction and single-sided excitation. Mechanical position transducers mounted on the vehicle are expensive and can impact reliability. The use of a sensorless position estimator removes all electronics from the passive vehicle, resulting in considerable reductions in cost, maintenance, and mechanical complexity. This study examines the use of an add-on processor and data acquisition system for sensorless position estimation. An approach exploiting the active phase windings is used to preserve the normal operation of the transducer-based DSP controller with the goal of limiting reductions in high performance features such as force ripple reduction and velocity control [3]. The estimator system is retrofit to the transducer-based DSP controller by mimicking the output of a mechanical position sensor by emulating a Quadrature encoder. The feasibility and design issues for an add-on or retrofit position estimator are investigated. Although sensorless schemes for rotary Switched Reluctance Machines (SRMs) have been studied in detail, the problem of sensorless implementations for LSRMs has not been addressed. Experimental validation of the proposed sensorless estimation scheme is attempted, but closed-loop operation is not achieved successfully due to air gap fluctuations. In depth analysis of the sources and propagation of error is presented. / Master of Science