Induced Voltage Self-Excitation for a Switched-Reluctance Generator. Experimental Verification of Concept

摘要

The switched-reluctance machine (SRM) is a promising candidate as a motor/generator for USAF power applications. The simple, non-wound laminated rotor allows high rotating speeds while the separate phase windings are conducive to fault-tolerant operation. The SRM, however, is a passive electromachine that requires external electric power to energize its controller and stator windings during its start-up for power generation. One means to excite the machine in a 'self-starting' mode is to attach permanent magnets to the machine stator, so that rotor rotation will cause the magnet's field to induce electric current within a nearby stator winding. This current can then be used to charge the DC-link capacitors that energize the control switches and all phase windings. This research program was an experimental effort to verify a self-excitation concept developed as a computer model by the University of Wisconsin. A small SRM rated at 240 V, 1 HP, & 4000 rpm speed was modified to use three different configurations of a magnet installed between a stator pole and its windings. Experimental results include the charge-up times for a DC-link capacitor connected in circuit to the motor.