The transient self-excitation of a switched reluctance generator

Switched reluctance (SR) drive systems are a candidate technology for electric vehicle applications, particularly where a high degree of component integration is required within a thermally demanding environment-typical of engine-mounted power assist solutions. While various operation and fault scenarios have been presented for such drive systems, this paper discusses the self-excitation of a SR generator via the drive-train dc link capacitance and compounded by the stored inertial energy of the connected mechanics. Test observations are also discussed that suggest the potential for transient self-excitation of the SR generator via residual magnetization of the machine rotor, a fault scenario that has not previously been reported. The SR generator system steady-state control is discussed and results presented from a faulted system. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.