9 - Drive development and test

Abstract

This chapter discusses the hardware of the reluctance controller and its testing process. The switched reluctance machine relies on control electronics not only to achieve basic rotation but also to determine most of the important aspects of its performance, including the torque/speed range, the efficiency, the control loop bandwidth, the torque tipple, and the acoustic noise. Several implementation options for the controller hardware are described and evaluated in the chapter, including discreet logic, microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays, and digital signal processors. The chapter also compares their functional ability in the realization of different levels of control. In the testing process, the measurement of magnetization curves is described, followed by the general approach to dynamometer testing. At the present time there is no single “off-the-shelf” switched reluctance controller, and the application specific controllers used in various products are based on a range of technologies. In future, it is anticipated that reductions in cost and increases in the functionality of the electronics will favor the switched reluctance machine and make it a more attractive option.