Ricerc@Sapienza

In the design of modern, high-performance switched reluctance machines, the highly restrictive sets of constraints and requirements severely limit the number of feasible solutions. In order to improve the chances of attaining a successful design, this work proposes a novel and fully analytical approach to the preliminary design analysis. Initially, the correct number of independent design variables is identified. Subsequently, constraints and requirements are introduced one by one, in order to progressively discard all of the unfeasible candidates.

This work presents a rigorous approach to simplify the design optimization process for Switched Reluctance Machines. First of all, the dimension of the Design Space is found to be equal to twelve, as the number of Independent Design Variables. Then, constraints and requirements in the design are represented as inequalities to determine the limit surfaces, which are nothing else than the boundaries of the Design Space.

It is well reported that Switched Reluctance Machines typically operate in ‘single-pulse mode’ when rotating at high speed. For such operating mode, the control parameters are the duration of the energizing period along with the advance of the turn-on instant, i.e. advance angle. To maximize the output torque, the energizing period is normally kept equal to half of the electric period, i.e. 180° (elec.), whilst the optimal advance angle is evaluated through time consuming finite-element-based optimization algorithms.

A critical aspect of distributed generation systems focuses on the installation of Electrical Energy Storage Systems in customer-side facilities. In this scenario, flywheel technology is challenged to provide high levels of safety, compactness and competitive cost. This work presents a novel, one-body flywheel scheme based on a switched reluctance machine, whose laminated rotor fulfils both the motor/generator and energy storage functions. The one-body architecture enhances compactness and robustness, whereas the laminated rotor ensures high safety.

In the design processes of Switched Reluctance Machines that operate in wide constant power speed ranges, the maximum power available at maximum speed must be evaluated for every machine candidate. This is critical to ensure compliance with the power requirement. Important parameters to include in the design routine are the duration of the energizing period and the advance of the turn-on instant, i.e. advance angle. The latter is highly related to the machine geometry and is usually evaluated through time-consuming finite-element-based iterative methods.