R.E. Betz

Control of synchronous reluctance machines

A comprehensive approach to the control of inverter-fed synchronous reluctance machines is developed, based on the machines ideal model. From the theory, a control simulation is designed. Simulation results are presented.<<ETX>>

Robust pole assignment

Abstract This paper presents new theorems on the theory of interval matrix inequalities and the theory of polynomials with interval roots, and applies them to the problem of robust pole-placement. We formulate optimization problems and derive convergent iterative algorithms which allow the designer to find controllers that place closed-loop poles within desired intervals for plants with unknown-but-bounded parameter uncertainties. The algorithms are computationally reasonable and provide a useful addition to currently existing control CAD tools.

The use of doubly fed reluctance machines for large pumps and wind turbines

Brushless doubly-fed induction machines (BDFIMs) have been extensively researched over the last 15 years because of the possibility of using a partially rated inverter in many applications with limited speed variations. However, the special cage rotor construction and substantial rotor losses is one of the key deficiencies of these machines. A similar and extremely interesting machine, the brushless doubly-fed reluctance machine (BDFRM), has been largely ignored in comparison. This was mainly due to the fact that reluctance rotor designs were not capable of generating saliency ratios large enough to make the BDFRM competitive with other machines. However recent developments in reluctance rotors, spurred on by research into synchronous reluctance machines, have resulted in high saliency ratio cageless rotors that are economic to build. This, together with the promise of higher efficiency and simpler control compared to the BDFIM, means that further investigation of the BDFRM is warranted. This paper presents a comparative theoretical analysis of the important control properties and related machine performance/inverter size trade-offs for the BDFRM in the light of its most likely applications-large pump type adjustable speed drives and variable speed constant frequency wind power generation systems.

Introduction to the Space Vector Modeling of the Brushless Doubly Fed Reluctance Machine

The brushless doubly fed reluctance machine (BDFRM) is the least known of a group of electrical machines that include the classic cascaded induction machine, the brushless doubly-fed induction machine (BDFIM), and the double-fed slip ring induction machine (DFSRIM). Since its initial development some 30 years ago, the BDFRM has been largely ignored because of the performance limitations imposed by the reluctance rotor design. However, improvements in reluctance rotors, a by-product of the development of the synchronous reluctance machine, have resulted in renewed interest in the BDFRM. This together with the promise of higher efficiency and simpler control compared to the BDFIM means that further investigation of the BDFRM is warranted. This paper is designed to be a starting point for research into the BDFRM. It develops the fundamental modelling equations that are required to carry out research into its dynamics and control. The approach is partly tutorial in nature as it presents some “well-known” analysis techniques that are scattered throughout the literature on the machine. It develops from first principles the space vector model of the machine, which is then used to derive the steady-state BDFRM equations. Standard sinusoidal spatial variation and linearity assumptions are used throughout the analysis. Where relevant, the physical concepts behind the machine’s operation are emphasized. In addition to the full dynamic model of the machine, the paper also introduces a per-unit system that forms the basis for machine-independent performance expressions.

The brushless doubly fed reluctance machine and the synchronous reluctance machine-a comparison

The brushless doubly fed reluctance machine (BDFRM) is related to the better known brushless doubly fed induction machine (BDFIM). Research into doubly fed machines is motivated by the fact that they allow the use of a partially rated inverter in many variable-speed applications. Research into the BDFRM has been largely ignored in comparison to the BDFIM, despite the fact that it has the potential for greater efficiency as compared to the BDFIM, and the rotor is simpler to manufacture. This paper compares the BDFRM and its singly fed cousin, the synchronous reluctance machine. This is a natural comparison since both machines use the same reluctance rotor. The first part of the paper establishes relationships between the inductances of the two machines. This is then used to facilitate a comparison using the constraints that both machines have the same amount of active material, i.e., the same amount of copper and iron, and that the copper losses for both machines are the same. This analysis also allows an approximate comparison with the conventional squirrel-cage induction machine. The analysis is carried out using machine-independent normalizations.

Design and Analysis of Brushless Doubly Fed Reluctance Machines

Brushless doubly fed reluctance machines (BDFRMs) are a class of machines that may be controlled using a power converter that has a rating lower than the total power rating of the machine. The attractive properties of these machines have, in the past, been offset by low power density and efficiency when compared to other types of machines. Recent advances have shown that, when well designed, these machines are, in fact, capable of operation at high torque density and efficiency. However, little guidance on how to design these machines is available in the literature. This paper presents analytical approaches to design a BDFRM with desirable qualities and the use of time-stepped finite-element analysis to validate the results of the design process.

Optimization of Switching Losses and Capacitor Voltage Ripple Using Model Predictive Control of a Cascaded H-Bridge Multilevel StatCom

This paper further develops a model predictive control (MPC) scheme which is able to exploit the large number of redundant switching states available in a multilevel H-bridge StatCom (H-StatCom). The new sections of the scheme provide optimized methods to tradeoff the harmonic performance with converter switching losses and capacitor voltage ripple. Varying the pulse placement within the modulation scheme and modifying the heuristic model of the voltage balancing characteristics allows the MPC scheme to achieve superior performance to that of the industry standard phase shifted carrier modulation technique. The effects of capacitor voltage ripple on the lifetime of the capacitors are also investigated. It is shown that the MPC scheme can reduce capacitor voltage ripple and increase capacitor lifetime. Simulation and experimental results are presented that confirm the correct operation of the control and modulation strategies.

Multigoal Heuristic Model Predictive Control Technique Applied to a Cascaded H-bridge StatCom

A multilevel H-bridge StatCom inherently contains redundancy in the available switching states. This paper develops a variation on the typical model predictive control scheme which is able to exploit this redundancy to simultaneously balance the H-bridge capacitor voltages, provide excellent current reference tracking, and minimize converter switching losses. The scheme consists of a dead-beat current controller that has been integrated with heuristic models of the voltage balancing and switching loss characteristics. The integration of a pulsewidth modulation scheme is also described. Simulation and experimental results are presented that confirm the correct operation of the control and modulation strategies. Comparison with traditional control and modulation schemes is provided in terms of the key performance indicators associated with multilevel H-bridge StatComs.

Symmetry Compensation using a H-Bridge Multilevel STATCOM with Zero Sequence Injection

This paper examines the use of a H-bridge cascade multilevel STATCOM for symmetry compensation. One of the particular problems H-bridge based STATCOMs have when used in these applications is maintaining correct voltages on the H-bridge capacitors for each of the individual phases of the STATCOM. This difficulty is the result of average real power flowing in or out of the individual phase legs. A solution has already been published for the delta connected STATCOM, but has not, until this paper, been solved for the wye connected topology. This paper uses a new approach to solve the phase leg power balance problem using zero sequence current and voltage injection. It allows the individual phase voltages for both the delta and wye connected cascaded H-bridge STATCOM to be controlled. Furthermore, when implemented for the delta connected STATCOM it leads to a more elegant and parameter independent control system architecture

Dead-time issues in predictive current control

Current control in inverter-driven machine systems is the inner most component of the hierarchy of control loops. If the control of current in the machine is not fast and accurate then it is difficult, if not impossible, to build a high-performance drive system. Unfortunately, the implementation of current control in power electronic systems is not ideal. Practical effects can have a significant influence on its performance. This paper examines one of these effects, dead time, and considers the influence it has on the performance of predictive current controllers (PCCs). The paper presents analysis that shows that a PCC implicitly compensates for voltage loss due to dead time. Also, a modified PCC is introduced that reduces the zero-current-clamp problem caused by dead time. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the analysis and confirm the performance of the new algorithm.