EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 1 of 20

UNIT II SWITCHED RELUCTANCE MOTORS

Constructional features –Principle of operation- Torque prediction–Characteristics-Power controllers –
Control of SRM drive- Speed control - current control - design procedures - Sensor less operation of SRM
– Current sensing-rotor position measurement and estimation methods - sensor less rotor position
estimation - inductance based estimation –applications.
Part A
1. Define Switched Reluctance Motor
2. Write two distinguished points between Switched Reluctance and stepper motor.
3. Write the advantages of SRM.
4. List the disadvantages of SRM.
5. Define aligned and unaligned inductance
6. Write the instantaneous torque equation of switched reluctance motor.
7. Draw the inductance variation with respect to the rotor position in SRM.
8. Draw the ideal current wave form for motoring and generating
9. Bring out the requirements to get the maximum torque per ampere.
10. What are the types of converters used to drive SRM?
11. Which makes the SRM to use unipolar controller circuit?
12. Write the advantages of 2n transistor converter circuit
13. How the phase windings of the SRM are connected with the converter circuit and compare it with
the normal inverter with windings.
14. State the advantages and limitations of bifilar winding converter circuit.
15. What is C dump converter circuit?
16. What are the types of control method used to control SRM?
17. Draw the torque speed characteristics of SRM
18. What is the significance of closed loop control in switched reluctance motor? [May/June 2007, Nov/Dec
2013]
19. Why SR Machine Popular in adjustable speed drives? [Nov/Dec 2012]
20. What is the significance of rotor position sensor and why it is essential for the operation of SR motors?
[Nov/Dec 2012 Nov 2016]
21. Draw the “λ-I” curve for SRM
22. What is hysteresis current control?
23. Define Chopping and single pulse mode of operation of SRM.
24. What are phase windings?
25. What are the types of SRM Motors?
Part B
1. Explain the construction and working of rotary switched reluctance motor. [May 2013 April 2017] or
Explain the constructional features of SRM in detail. [Nov 2007] (8)
2. Describe the various power controller circuits applicable to switched reluctance motor and explain the
operation of any one scheme with suitable circuit diagram. [May 2008Nov 2016 April 2017]
3. Draw a schematic diagram and explain the operation of a ‘C’ dump converter used for the control of
SRM. [May 2017]
4. Draw and explain the general torque-speed characteristics of SRM. [Nov 2007 Nov 2012 Nov 2016]
5. Describe the hysteresis type and PWM type current regulator for one phase of a SRM [May 2010 Nov
2014]
6. Discuss the microprocessor-based control of SRM. [May 2008 May 2010 Nov 2012 Nov 2014 Nov
2016] or Explain the role of computers in the control of SRM. [Nov 2007 April 2017]
7. Explain the closed loop control analysis of SRM. [May 2007 Nov 2013]
8. Compare SR motor with VR stepper motor [May 2007 Nov 2013]
9. Discuss the sensor less operation of Switched Reluctance Motor. [ May 2013]
10. Explain the Design Procedure of Switched Reluctance Motor in Detail.
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 2 of 20

Part A
1. Define Switched Reluctance Motor
SRM is a doubly salient and singly excited motor. That means both the stator and rotor has salient poles
but only one usually stator carries the winding which operates based on the reluctance principle.

2. Write two distinguished points between Switched Reluctance and stepper motor.
• The SRM motor is normally operated with shaft position feed back to synchronize the commutation of
the phase currents with precise rotor positions, where as stepper motor is normally run in open loop,
i.e. without shaft position feedback.
• SRM is normally designed for efficient conversion of significant amounts of power, stepper motors
are more usually designed to maintain step integrity in position controls.

3. Write the advantages of SRM.

• Machine construction is simple and low-cost because of the absence of rotor winding and permanent
magnets.
• There are no shoot-through faults between the DC buses in the SRM drive converter because each
rotor winding is connected in series with converter switching elements.
• Bidirectional currents are not necessary, which facilitates the reduction of the number of power
switches in certain applications.
• The bulk of the losses appear in the stator, which is relatively easier to cool.
• The torque–speed characteristics of the motor can be modified to the application requirement more
easily during the design stage than in the case of induction and PM machines.
• The starting torque can be very high without the problem of excessive in-rush current due to its higher
self-inductance.
• The open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current at faults are zero or very small.
• The maximum permissible rotor temperature is higher, since there are no permanent magnets.
• There is low rotor inertia and a high torque/inertia ratio.
• Extremely high speeds with a wide constant power region are possible.
• There are independent stator phases, which do not prevent drive operation in the case of loss of one or
more phases.

4. List the disadvantages of SRM.

• The SRM also comes with a few disadvantages among which torque ripple and acoustic noise
are the most critical. The higher torque ripple also causes the ripple current in the DC supply to be
quite large, necessitating a large filter capacitor. The doubly salient structure of the SRM also causes
higher acoustic noise compared with other machines.
• The absence of permanent magnets imposes the burden of excitation on the stator windings and
converter, which increases the converter KJ/A requirement. Compared with PM brushless machines,
the per unit stator copper losses will be higher, reducing the efficiency and torque per ampere.
However, the maximum speed at constant power is not limited by the fixed magnet flux as in the
PM machine, and, hence, an extended constant power region of operation is possible in SRMs.

5. Define aligned and unaligned inductance

• The inductance measured at the position as the conjunction of any rotor inter pole axis with the axis of
the stator poles of the phase is called as unaligned inductance.
• The inductance measured at the position as the conjunction of any rotor pole axis with the axis of the
stator poles of the phase is called as aligned inductance.
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6. Write the instantaneous torque equation of switched

reluctance motor.

7. Draw the inductance variation with respect to the rotor position in SRM.

8. Draw the ideal current wave form for motoring and generating

9. Bring out the requirements to get the maximum torque per ampere.
• Unsaturated aligned inductance should be as large as possible by implying a small air gap with wide
slots.
• Smallest possible unaligned inductance can be achieved by a large inter polar arc on the rotor,
narrow stator poles and deep slotting on both stator and rotor
• The highest possible saturation flux density.

10. What are the types of converters used to drive SRM?

• Using two power semiconductors and two diodes per phase
• n+1 power semiconductors and two diodes per phase
• Phase windings and bifilar wires
• Dump-C converter
• Split power supply converter
11. Which makes the SRM to use unipolar controller circuit?
The torque is independent of the direction of the phase current which can therefore be unidirectional.
This permits the use of unipolar controller circuit for SRM.

12. Write the advantages of 2n transistor converter circuit

• This circuit provides the maximum control flexibility and efficiency, with a minimum of passive components.
• By controlling the upper and lower transistors independently all possible firing angles can be used.
• In small drives PWM control over the entire speed range is possible.
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 4 of 20

13. How the phase windings of the SRM are connected with the converter circuit and compare
it with the normal inverter with windings.
The phase winding is connected in between the two control switches on the same leg. But in inverter the
windings are connected from the mid points of adjacent phase legs. No simultaneous switching ON
process of the switches in the same leg.
14. State the advantages and limitations of bifilar winding converter circuit.
Advantages:
To reduce the number of switching devices bifilar winding is used. Limitation:
• Double the numbers of connections are used.
• Poor utilization of copper
• Voltage spikes due to imperfect coupling
15. What is C dump converter circuit?
One capacitor is used in the circuit with one more phase to bleed the stored energy in the capacitor.

16. What are the types of control method used to control SRM?
(a) Hysteresis Type
(b) Voltage PWM Type (duty-cycle control)

17. Draw the torque speed characteristics of SRM

18. What is the significance of closed loop control in switched reluctance motor? [May/June 2007, Nov/Dec 2013]
• To improve dynamic performance
• To provide feedback linearizing control
• To provide stability

19. Why SR Machine Popular in adjustable speed drives? [Nov/Dec 2012]

1) Construction is simple and robust
2) There is no permanent magnet
3) Rotor carries no windings, no slip rings, no brushes, less maintenance
4) Power semi-conductor switching circuitry is simpler.

20. What is the significance of rotor position sensor and why it is essential for the operation of SR motors? [Nov/Dec
2012 Nov 2016]
It is necessary to use a rotor position sensor for commutation and speed feedback. The turning on and off
operation of the various devices of power semiconductor switching circuits are influenced by signals obtained
from rotor position sensor.

21. Draw the “λ-I” curve for SRM

EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 5 of 20

22. What is hysteresis current control?

This type of current controller maintains a more or less constant current throughout the conduction period in
each phase. This controller is called hysteresis type controller.

23. Define Chopping and single pulse mode of operation of SRM.

Chopping Mode

In this mode, also called low-speed mode, each phase winding gets excited for
a Period which is sufficiently long.
Single-pulse mode

In single-pulse mode, also called high-speed mode, the current rise is within
limits during the small time interval of each phase excitation.

24. What are phase windings?

Stator poles carrying field coils. The field coils of opposite poles are connected in series such
that mmf’s are additive and they are called “Phase windings” of SRM.

25. What are the types of SRM Motors?

Part B
1. Explain the construction and working of rotary and linear switched reluctance motor. [May 2013 April 2017]
Explain the constructional features of SRM in detail. [Nov 2007] (8) Construction and operation of SRM:
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 6 of 20
Construction of SRM:
Constructional details of switched reluctance motor with six stator poles and four rotor poles can be explained by
referring to figure. The stator is made up of silicon steel stampings with inward projected poles. The number of
poles of the stator can be either an even number or an odd number. Most of the motors available have even
number of stator poles (6 or 8) All these poles carry field coils. The field coils of opposite poles are connected in
series such that their mmf’s are additive and they are called phase windings. Individual coil or a group of coils
constitute phase windings. Each of the phase windings are connected to the terminals of the motor. These
terminals are suitably connected to the output terminals of a power semiconductor switching circuitry, whose
input is a d.c. supply.

Fig. : Cross sectional view of SRM.

The rotor is also made up of silicon steel stampings with outward projected poles. Number of poles of
rotor is different from the number of poles of the stator. In most of the available motors the number of poles of
the rotor is 4 or 6 depending upon the number of stator poles 6 or 8.
The rotor shaft carries a position sensor. The turning ON and tuning OFF operation of the various devices of the
power semiconductor circuitry are influenced by the signals obtained from the rotor position sensor.
Fig. shows the block diagram of SRM. DC supply is given to t he power semiconductor switching
circuitry which is connected to various phase windings of SRM. Rotor position sensor which is mounted on the
shaft of SRM, provides signals to the controller about the position of. the rotor with reference-to-reference axis.
Controller collects this information and also the reference speed signal and suitably turns ON and OFF the
concerned power semiconductor device of the switching circuit such that the desired phase winding is connected
to the dc supply. The current signal is also fed back to the controller to limit the current within permissible
limits.
Principle of operation:
A torque is produced when one phase is energized and the magnetic circuit tends to adopt a configuration of
minimum reluctance, i.e. the rotor poles aligned with the excited stator poles in order to maximize the phase
inductance. As the motor is symmetric, it means that the one phase inductance cycle is comprised between the
aligned and unaligned positions or vice versa (Figure).
The aligned position (La)
Consider a pair of rotor and the stator poles to be aligned. Applying a current to phase establishes a flux through
stator and rotor poles. If the current continues to flow through this phase, the rotor remains in this position, the rotor
pole being ”stuck” face to face to the stator pole. This position is called aligned position, and the phase inductance is
at its maximum value (Lmax or La) as the magnetic reluctance of the flux path is at its minimum.
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 7 of 20

Inductance profile of SRM.

Intermediate rotor positions (Lint)
At intermediate positions the rotor pole is between two stator poles. In this case the induction is intermediate
between the aligned and unaligned values. If there is any overlap at all, the flux is diverted entirely to the closer rotor
pole and the leakage flux path starts to increase at the base of the stator pole on one side.
The unaligned position (Lu)
In the unaligned position, the magnetic reluctance of the flux path is at its highest value as a result of the large air
gap between stator and rotor. The inductance is at its minimum (Lmin or Lu). There is no torque production in this
position when the current is flowing in one the adjacent phases. However, the unaligned position is one of unstable
equilibrium.

2. Describe the various power controller circuits applicable to switched reluctance motor and explain the operation of
any one scheme with suitable circuit diagram. [May 2008Nov 2016 April 2017]
Power Semiconductor Switching Circuits for SRM: (Power Converters)
The selection of controller (converter) depends upon the application. One of the main aspects of the
research in SRM drives has been the converter design. The main objectives of the design of the converter are
performance of the drive and cost of the drive.
Basic Requirements:
1. Each phase of SRM should be able to conduct independent of the other phases.
2. Converter should be able to demagnetize the phase before it steps into the generating region if the machine is
operating as a motor and should be able to excite the phase before it steps into the generating region if
operated as a generator.
3. The converter should be able to freewheel during the chopping period to reduce the switching frequency.
4. The converter should be able to utilize the demagnetization energy from the off going phase in a useful way by
either feeding it back to the source or using it in the next conducting phase.
The different power semiconductor switching circuits used are
1. Two power semiconductor switching devices per phase and two diodes.
2. (n+ 1) power switching devices and (n + 1) diodes.
3. Phase winding using Bifilar wires.
4. Split-link circuit used with even-phase number.
5. C-dump circuit.
Two power semiconductor switching devices per phase and two diodes.
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Fig. Two power semiconductor switching device and two diodes.

As shown in fig. phase winding A is connected to the dc supply through power semiconductor devices T1
and T2. Depending upon the rotor position, when the phase winding A is to be energized the devices T1 and T2
are turned ON. When the phase winding is to be disconnected from the supply (this instant is also dependent on
the position of the shaft) the devices T1 and T2 are turned off. The stored energy in the phase winding A tends to
maintain the current in the same direction.
This current passes from the winding through D1 and D2 to the supply. Thus the stored energy is fedback to the
mains.
Similarly phase winding B & C are also switched on to the supply and switched off from the supply in a
cyclic manner. This circuit requires 2 power switching devices and 2 diodes for each phase winding. For high
speed operation it is required to see that the stored energy can be fed back to their mains within the available
period.
Usually the upper devices T1, T3 and T5 are turned on and off from the signals obtained from the rotor
position sensor. The duration of conduction or angle of conduction θ can be controlled by using suitable control
circuitry The lower devices T2,T4 and T6 are controlled from signals obtained by chopping frequency signal. The
current in the phase winding is the result of logical ANDing of the rotor position sensor and chopping frequency.
As a result it is possible to vary the effective phase current from a very low value to a high value. For varying the
current the following methods are available.
1. By varying the duty cycle of the chopper.
2. By varying the conduction angle of the devices.
Merits:

1. Control of each phase is completely independent of the other phases.

2. The converter is able to free wheel during the chopping period at low speeds which helps to reduce the
switching frequency and thus the switching losses of the converter.
3. The energy from the off going phase is feedback to the source, which results in useful utilization of the energy.
Demerits:
Higher number of s witches required in each phase which makes the converter expensive and also used
for low voltage applications.
(n+1) power switching devices and (n+1) diodes.

Fig. (n+1) power switching devices and (n+1) diodes.

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This circuit makes use of less number of power switching devices and diodes as shown in fig. when the
(SCRs) switching devices T and T1 are turned on phase winding A is energised from the dc supply. When these
devices are turned off the stored energy in the phase winding is fed back to the mains through diodes D and D1.
When devices T and T2 are turned on the phase winding B is energised. When they are turned off, the stored
energy in B phase winding is fed to mains thro’ D and D2. Similarly phase winding C is switched on and off
from the mains. The cycle gets repeated.
This circuit makes use of (n+1) power switching devices and (n+1) diodes where n is equal to the number
of phases.
Merits:
1. The converter uses low number of switching devices, which reduces the cost of the converter.
2. The converter is able to freewheel during the chopping, thus reducing the switching frequency and losses.
3. Voltage rating of all the switching devices and the diodes are Vdc,which is relatively low.
4. The energy for the off going phase is transferred back into the source, which results in useful utilization of the
energy and also improves the efficiency.
Demerits:
1. Disability to magnetize a phase while the off going phase is still de magnetising which results in higher torque
ripple during commutation.
2. At higher speeds, of the off going phase cannot be de-energized fast enough because the common switch 'T'
keeps turning on intermediately, disabling forced demagnetization.
3. The common switch conducts for all the phases and thus has highest switching stress .
Phase winding using bifilar wires:

• Each phase winding has two exactly similar phase windings as shown in fig. For these bifilar wires are
used. Each phase consists of two identical windings and are magnetically coupled when one of them are
excited.
• In stepper motor, the purpose of bifilar winding is for bipolar excitation with a reduced number of
switching elements.

Fig.: Phase winding using bifilar wires.

When T1 is turned on the de current passes through the phase winding A. When the device T1 is turned off
the stored energy in the magnetic field is fed back to the de source through the winding A' and D1 to the supply.
The three devices operate in a sequential way depending upon the signals obtained from the rotor position
sensor and the chopping signals for PWM technique obtained from the controller.
Merits:
1. The converter uses lower number of switching devices thus reducing the cost on the converter.
2. The converter allows fast demagnetization of phases during commutation.
Demerits:
1. Bifilar winding suffers from double number of connections.
2. A poor utilization of copper.
3. Free wheeling is not possible during chopping as the phases have -Vdc. This causes of higher ripples in current
and torque during chopping.
4. The imperfection in the coupling between the two winding causes voltage spikes during turn-off..
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 10 of 20
5. The copper loss associated with the auxiliary winding are unacceptable high for many applications.
Split - link circuit used with even phase number:

Fig.: Split link circuit used with even phase number.

The circuit shown in fig. is used in a range of highly efficient drives (from 4-80 kw).
The main power supply is split into two halves using split capacitors. During conduction, energy is
supplied to the phases by one half the power supply. During commutation period, the phases demagnetize into
other half of the power supply.
When switch T1 is turned on, phase winding 1 is energized by capacitor C1. When switch T1 is turned off,
the stored energy in the phase winding 1 is fed back to the capacitor C2 through diode D4.
When T4 is turned on by capacitor C2 and phase winding 4 is energised. When switch T4 is turned off,
stored energy in the winding 4 is feedback to the capacitor C1 through diode D1. The similar operation takes
place in the remaining winding also.
Merits:
1. It requires lower number of switching devices.
2. Faster demagnetization of phases during commutation.
Demerits:
• During chopping, free wheeling is not possible as the phaser have the voltage Vdc/2. This causes higher switching
frequency and more losses.
• This is not feasible for low voltage application.
• The converter is less fault tolerant as fault in any phase will unbalance the other phase that is connected to it.

3. Draw a schematic diagram and explain the operation of a ‘C’ dump converter used for the control of SRM. [May
2017]
The C-dump circuit shown in Fig.3. 19 makes use of (n+1) diodes to feedback the energy from the dump
capacitor to the supply via the step-down chopper circuit.
The power semiconductor device Tl is turned on to initiate the conduction process. Note that the phase
winding A is in series with the device Tl. Thus the phase winding A. is energized. During the commutation
[turn-off] period, the diode ‘D1’ is forward, biased and the energy from the machine phase [(i.e.,) phase
winding] is transferred to the dump capacitor ‘Cd’. Note that phases are demagnetized by turning off the
respective phase switches.

Fig. Basic ‘c’ dump converter circuit

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The excess energy from the dump capacitor ‘Cd’ is transferred into the source through the diode ‘D’ by
turning on the power switch ‘T’. The mean capacitor voltage is maintained well above the supply voltage to have
rapid de fluxing after commutation.
If any failure occurs in control circuit, that will lead to rapid raise of charge across the capacitor ‘Cd’ and
if protective measures were not taken, the controller circuit could fail due to over voltage.
Advantages .
1. The circuit uses lower number of switching devices.
2. The presence of diodes ensures faster demagnetization of phases.
Disadvantages
1. The requirement of maintaining voltage across the dump capacitor well above the supply voltage and the
control of the switch ‘T’ makes this converter a complicated circuit.
2. The use of capacitor and inductor in the dump circuit.

4. Draw and explain the general torque-speed characteristics of SRM. [Nov 2007 Nov 2012 Nov 2016]
Torque - Speed Characteristics:
Torque developed (i.e.) average torque developed by SRM depends upon the current waveform of SRM
phase winding. Current waveform depends upon the conduction period and chopping details. It also depends
upon the speed.
Consider a case that conduction angle θ is constant and the chopper duty cycle is 1. (i.e.) it conducts
continuously. For low speed operating condition, the current is assumed to be almost flat shaped. Therefore the
developed torque is constant. For high speed operating condition, the current waveform gets changed and the
average torque developed gets reduced.
Fig. (a) represents the speed torque characteristics ' of SRM for constant e and duty cycle. It is constant at
low speeds and slightly droops as speed increases For various other constant value of θ, the family of curves to
the same duty cycle is shown in fig. (b).

Fig. Torque speed characteristics at constant conduction angle e and duty cycle:
Torque speed characteristics for fixed θ and for various duty cycles are shown in fig. θand duty cycle are varied
by suitably operating the semiconductor devices.
Torque speed capability curve:
Maximum torque developed in a motor and the maximum power that can be transferred are usually
restricted by the mechanical subsystem design parameters.
For given conduction angle the torque can be varied by varying the duty cycle of the chopper. However the
maximum torque developed is restricted to a definite value based on mechanical consideration.
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Fig. General torque speed characteristics of switched reluctance motor.

AB in the fig. represents constant maximum torque region of operation.
At very low speeds, the torque/speed capability curve may deviate from the flat-torque characteristics. If
the chopping frequency is limited or if the band width of the current regulator is limited, it is difficult to limit the
current without the help of self emf of the motor and the current reference may have to be reduced. This is shown
by curve (i). in fig.
If very low windage and core loss permit the copper losses to be increased, so that with higher current a
higher torque is obtained as shown in curve (ii) in fig.
Under intermittent conditions, of course very much higher torque can be obtained in any part of the speed
range upto ωb.
The motor current limits the torque below base speed. The ‘corner point’ or base speed ‘ωb’ is the highest
speed at which maximum current can be supplied at rated voltage with fixed firing angles. If these angles are still
kept fixed, the maximum torque at rated voltage
decreases with speed squared. But if the conduction angle is increased, (i.e.) θon is decreased, there is a
considerable speed range over which maximum current can still be forced into the motor. This maintains the
torque at a higher level to maintain constant-power characteristics. But the core losses and windage losses
increases with the speed. Thus the curve BC represents the maximum permissible torque at each speed without
exceeding the maximum permissible power transferred. This region is obtained by varying θD to its maximum
value θDmax. θD is dwell angle of the main switching devices in each phase. Point C corresponds to maximum
permissible power, maximum permissible conduction angle
θDmaxand duty cycle of the chopper is unity.
Curve CD represents Tω2 constant. The conduction angle is kept maximum and duty cycle is maximum
by maintaining Tω2 constant. D corresponds to maximum ω permissible. The region between the curve
ABCD and x axis is the “permissible region of operation of SRM."

5. Describe the hysteresis type and PWM type current regulator for one phase of a SRM [May 2010 Nov 2014]
Control Circuits For SRM
For motoring mode operation of switched reluctance machine, the pulses of the phase current should
accurately coincide with increasing inductance. The timing and dwell (i.e.,) period of conductance of the current
pulse determine the torque, efficiency and other parameters.
For high currents, the torque-current relationship is more or less linear. For higher power levels, more
complex controls are employed.
Where wide range of speed is required at constant power, microprocessor based controllers are employed. At
high speeds, the peak current is limited by self emf.
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The control methods available for SRM are two types, namely,
1. Hysteresis type current regulator
2. Voltage - PWM control or duty cycle control
Hysteresis type current regulator
The schematic arrangement for this type of control circuit is shown in following figure.

Fig. Hysteresis type current regulator

OA→ Operational amplifier RCL→ Current limiting resistor RF→ Rotor feed back T1,T2→ Switching transistors
D1, D2→Diodes
The fig. shows the current waveform controlled by the hysteresis type currentregulator

Fig. Rotor angle (in degree)

The above current waveform is controlled by a hysteresis type current regulator and it maintains almost
constant current over the entire speed range.
Operating Principle

In the circuit of Fig., a transducer [Usually a tachogenerator for this circuit] is connected from the rotor
and then the output signal from the transducer is given as a feedback signal to the transistor T2. This signal in tum
is fed at the input of the operational amplifier.
The operational amplifier compares this signal with the reference current and then the amplified signal is
given to the transistor T1. This signal in combination with collector current will flow from the emitter of the
transistor T1 through the Phase winding A of the machine. Thus the current through the phase winding A can be
controlled depending on the requirement. The current limiting resistor (RCL) limits the current according to the
design requirement.
When the reference current increases, the torque developed also increases. At low currents, torque is
proportional to the square of the current and its relationship becomes more linear at higher values of current. But
very high values of current reduces the torque/ampere due to saturation.
With loads whose torque varies monotonically with speed [From example fans and blowers], the speed
adjustment is possible even without feedback. But to have accurate speed control, speed feedback is needed. To
obtain the speed feedback signals shaft position sensor, optical encoders are used.
The ‘hysteresis type’ current regulator requires current transducer of wide bandwidth, but the switched
reluctance drive has the advantage that they can be grounded at one end with the other end is connected to the
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negative terminal of the lower phase leg switch. The sensors used are shunts or hall-effect sensors with built in
current sensing.
This type of control produces a constant – torque type of characteristics.
Voltage PWM type current regulation
The following Fig. shows the regulator using fixed- frequency PWM of the voltage with variable
duty-cycle.

Fig. Voltage PWM type current regulator

OA → Operational amplifier RCL→ Current limiting resistor
RF →Rotor feed back T1,T2→ Switching transistors D1, D2→ Diodes
The mechanical signal (speed of the motor) is converted into electrical signal (current), through the transducer
(tachogenerator), which is fed to the transistor T2. The resultant current from the emitter of the transistor T2 flow
through the current limiting resistor ((CLR) to the negative of the supply.
The voltage at phase A changes, because of the feedback signal. This feedback voltage is given as an input to the
operational amplifier, which compares this input signal with reference voltage. The difference of these two
signals is amplified and fed to the monostable circuit.
This circuit modulates the pulse width of the incoming signal based on the requirement and the modulated signal
is given at the base of T1. This signal combines with collector current of T1 and flows through Phase A as
modulated current based on the requirement. Thus the current is regulated or controlled using pulse width
modulation and rotor feedback.

6. Discuss the microprocessor-based control of SRM. [May 2008 May 2010 Nov 2012 Nov 2014 Nov 2016]
Explain the role of computers in the control of SRM. [Nov 2007 April 2017]

Today in industrial places there is high demands on control accuracies, flexibility, ease of operation,
repeatability of parameters for many drive applications. Nowadays switched reluctance motor are increasingly
used in industries. To meet the above requirements, use of microprocessor have became important.

Fig.: Microprocessor or computer based control of SRM

Fig. shows the block diagram of microprocessor-based control system of SRM drive. This control system
consists of power semiconductor switching circuit, SRM with rotor position sensor and microprocessor system.
In this system microprocessor acts as a controller for the switched reluctance motor and generate control pulses
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 15 of 20
to the power semiconductor switching circuits.
The input DC supply is fed to the power semiconductor switching circuits. Different type of power
semiconductor switching circuits are used for different application. Normally the circuits are invertor circuit
configuration.
The power semiconductor devices are turned on and off by controller circuit. Here the controller circuit is
microprocessor or computer based control system.
In the SRM drive shown in fig. 3.34, the rotor position sensor gives the information about the rotor with
respect to the reference axis to the microprocessor or computer control. The controller also receive the status of
current, flow through the phase winding and reference signal.
The microprocessor or computer compare the signals obtained from the RPS and reference and generate
square pulses to the power semiconductor devices. This signal is fed to the inverter circuit. The phase winding of
the SRM is energized depending upon the turning on and off of the power semiconductor switching circuit.
The microprocessor or computer controller can perform the following functions.
• Control the feedback loops • Estimation of feedback signals.
• PWM or square wave signal generation to inverters. • General sequencing control.
• Optimal and adaptive control. • Protection and fault overriding control.
• Signal monitoring and warning. • Data acquisition.

The superiority of microprocessor or computer controlover the conventional hardware based control can
be easily recognized for complex drive control system. The simplification of hardware saves control electronics
cost and improves the system reliability. Thedigital control has inherently improves the noise immunity which is
particularly important because of large power switching transients in the converters.
The software control algorithm can easily be altered or improved without changing the hardware. Another
important feature is that the structure and parameters of the control system can be altered in real time making the
controller adaptive to the plant characteristics.

7. Explain the closed loop control analysis of SRM.[May 2007 Nov 2013]
Switched reluctance motor for variable speed applications is a robust, reliable and almost maintenance
free electric drive suitable for industrial, transport and domestic sector. The SRM is always operated with closed
loop control. Figure shows the general closed loop block diagram of SRM.

General block diagram of the SRM drive

This block diagram consists of power converter, SRM. controller, current sensor and encoder. Here, the encoder
senses the rotor position and sends it to the controller block. The current sensor also senses the motor current
and sends it to controller. Here, we can set reference signal by using potentiometer. This signal is also fed to the
controller block.
This controller block processes the all the signals and generates the control PWMsignals. These signals
are fed to the power semiconductor switching circuit. Depending upon theenergization of phase winding, the
SRM rotates according to desired speed.
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 16 of 20
In the controller block, we can incorporate different control techniques.
• Voltage SRM control with speed closed loop. • Motoring mode.
• Motor starts from any position with rotor • Minimum speed (set by user).
alignment. • Maximum speed (set by user).
• Two directions of rotation. • Encoder position reference for commutation.
Detailed closed loop control of SRM drive
Figure shows the system configurations and the peripherals of the microcontroller device used for the SR
motor control.
The microcontroller runs the main control algorithm. It generates 4-phase PWM output signals for the SR
motor power stage according to the user interface input and feedback signals. The required speed is set by a
potentiometer, furthermore a start/stop and right/left switch is provided. When the start command is given the
start-up sequence with the rotor alignment is performed and the motor is started in the desired direction.
The rotor position is evaluated using the external encoder and the commutation angle is calculated. When the
actual position of the motor is equal to the reference position, the commutation of the phases in the desired
direction of rotation is done; the actual phase is turned off and the following phase is turned on. For the speed
calculation no additional velocity sensor is needed. motor speed is derived from the position information.

The reference speed is calculated from user defined potentiometer value. The speed error between
reference speed and actual speed is used in the speed controller to manipulate the voltage applied to each phase
winding and the firing angles. As mentioned earlier PWM voltage regulation is used in low and mid-speed
regions, whereas advancing the turn-on angle in the single-pulse control comes active in the high speed area.
The control algorithm is build up in such a matter, when the PWM regulation reaches its limits the single-
pulse regulation takes over. Then during the PWM cycle, the actual phase current is compared with the absolute
maximum value for the rated current. As soon as the actual current exceeds this value the PWM duty cycle is
restricted. The procedure is repeated for each commutation cycle of the motor.

8. Compare SR motor with VR stepper motor [May 2007 Nov 2013] (6m)

SI. Switched reluctance motor (SRM) Variable reluctance stepper motor

1 The SRM is normally operated with shaft position The stepper motor is usually fed by a square wave of phase
feedback to synchronize with the rotor position thereby current without rotor position feedback.
controlling conduction angle and commutation of the
phase currents.
2 The SRM motor is designed for efficient power Normally designed to maintain step integrity rather than to
conversion upto at least 300KW. achieve efficient power conversion.
3 The SRM usually operates at high speeds The stepper motor is usually designed as a torque motor
with a limited speed range.
4 It is meant for continuous rotation. It rotates in steps.
5 Closed loop control is essential for its optimal working. It works in open loop operation.
6 No half step operation and micro stepping are possible. It is capable of half step operation and micro stepping.
7 It has power ratings upto 75 KW(100 HP) It has comparatively lower power rating.
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 17 of 20
8 It has higher overall efficiency. The SRM is naturally It has lower efficiency. Efficiency is not an important factor
designed to operate efficiently for wide range of speed. for stepper motor.
9 SRM requires a rotor position sensor. It does not require rotor position sensor.
10 Mainly used in domestic applications like vacuum Mainly applied in computer-controlled systems and
cleaners, washing machines and general-purpose robotics.
industrial drives.

9. Discuss the sensor less operation of Switched Reluctance Motor. [ May 2013]
Switched Reluctance Motors have gained momentum in the highly competitive marker of adjustable
speed motor drives. Simple structure and low cost are the most important reasons for this popularity. SRM
drives have made a successful entrance into various sectors of industry such as aerospace, automotive, and home
appliances. Its Simple construction, due to the absence of magnets, rotor conductors. brushes improve system
efficiency over a wide speed range and makes the SRM drive an interesting alternative to other commercially
available drives.
The accurate knowledge of the rotor position is required for good performance of the switched reluctance
motor drive. The entrance of SRMs in the sensitive applications industries has proved the need for highly
reliable and fault tolerant rotor position sensing methods. The need for the rotor angle information in SRM has
been traditionally satisfied by the use of some form of rotor position sensor.
Rotor position sensing is an integral part of SRM control because of the nature of reluctance torque
production. In fact, excitations of the SRM phases need to be properly synchronized with the rotor position for
effective control of speed, torque and torque pulsation. But it needs a mechanism to detect rotor position for
correct operation. An encoder, resolver, or Hall shaft position sensors are usually employed to determine the
rotor position. However, these discrete position sensors not only add complexity and to the system but also tend
to reduce the reliability of the drive system.
However, in recent years, there have been extensive research activities to eliminate direct rotor position
sensors, simply by indirectly determining the rotor position. To avoid additional cost size and unreliability
associated with external position sensors developing a reliable, precise, and low-cost position sensorless control
seem necessary
Principle of Operation of the SRM Sensorless Scheme
The fundamental principle of operation of a SRM is based on the variation in flux linkage with the change
in the angular position of the rotor. The sensorless scheme relies on the fuzzy based rotor position estimator
model of the SRM drive. The dynamics of the SRM drive can be represented by a set of non-linear first-order
differential equations.
The block diagram of the sensorless scheme is shown in figure 3.48. It consists of various sub-systems necessary
for PID speed controlled SRM drive with fuzzy logic used as a rotor position estimator. The flux estimator
produces flux linkage by using phase voltage and current as inputs.
The experimental data of flux linkage and phase current are used as inputs to fuzzy estimator and map them in
fuzzy rule base for estimating the angle as an output. The suitable type of low pass filter has been used to
produce refined estimated angle for inverter operation and simultaneously used to obtain estimated speed for
comparison.

Sensorless control of SRM

EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 18 of 20

10. Explain the Design procedure of Switched Reluctance Motor in detail.

Design procedures for Switched Reluctance Machines

A specification of an SRM machine consists of requirements (e.g. torque, speed) and constraints (e.g.
dimensions or supply voltage). The design is based on the compliance of a number of prescriptions or
agreements at the valid heating, mechanical stress, operational safety and the compliance of electrical limits.
The designer’s goal is the determination of the main dimensions and the electric and geometric data of all
electromagnetic claimed parts from the required properties.

Machine data
The design data for a SRM comprises of the required rated power output Pn, rated speed nn, allowable peak
phase current ip and available dc bus voltage Vdc for the system. Knowing the speed and power output will
automatically fix the rated torque Tn to be developed:
𝑃𝑃
𝑛𝑛
𝑇𝑇𝑛𝑛 = 2𝜋𝜋.𝑛𝑛
𝑛𝑛
Improving material productivity of SRM manufacturing involves optimized utilization of machine and
drives active materials, including iron and copper, drive electronics and control aspects for cost minimization.

Sizing of main dimensions

The size of the active part of an electrical machine depends on two factors: the required torque and the
effectiveness of the cooling system. For a given torque, the machine size may be reduced to some extend by
improving the cooling effectiveness. But such improvement would increase the machine manufacturing cost.
Once a means of cooling compatible with the fabrication cost has been chosen, the only parameter that
determines the motor size is the magnitude of torque. In general, electrical machines are designed starting
from the output equation, which relates the bore diameter D (inner stator diameter), rotor length l, rated speed
n, and magnetic and electric loadings to the rated output power P:
Pole selection
Usually, the designer determines a common number of stator and rotor poles Ns and Nr
and deviates from this fixed value only for very special applications because then converter configurations
and feedback devices can be standardized. There are many possible combinations for the number of poles
resulting in different phase numbers. The choice of the number of phases mainly depends on the desired
application and their required properties. Generally, it is preferred to have the ratio between Ns and Nr is a non
integer. T he stator and rotor pole combinations common in industrial designs are given below:
Table: Typical stator and rotor pole combinations
Poles
Stator 4 6 12 8 12 10
Rotor 2 4 8 6 10 8
The popular combinations of two 3-phase prototypes with 6 stator and 4 rotor poles and one 4-phase motor
with 8 stator and 6 rotor poles. The 8/6- machine has the advantage of smaller torque ripple than the 6/4
machine while having the disadvantage of using more switches in the converter, two extra terminals and
higher core losses (assuming the same rotor speed) because of higher re magnetization frequency.

Air gap
To maintain balanced phase currents and minimize acoustic noise, the SRM needs a uniform air gap. The
machine also requires a small air gap to maximize specific torque output and minimize the volt-ampere
requirement in the converter. A small air gap decreases the minimum reluctance in the zone of stator-rotor-
pole-overlapping and therefore increases the achievable torque. So the air gap should be chosen in such a
way that the machine works reliable under common operating conditions in every operating point.
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 19 of 20
Stator and rotor pole angle selection
The pole arcs of stator and rotor βs and βr define the width of stator and rotor poles ts and tr:
The choice of the pole arcs basically depends on two criteria:
1. Self-starting requirement
2. Shaping of static torque vs. rotor position characteristics
These requirements can be included into the machine design by computing the minimum rotor and stator
pole arcs βr and βs to achieve self starting.
The minimum pole arcs are equal to the stroke angle Θsk, ensuring that in the ideal case with no fringing
flux, torque can be produced at all rotor positions. An upper limit is placed on the overlap of stator and
rotor teeth:

Ratio of pole width to pole pitch

Guidelines for the selection of stator and rotor pole arcs can be varied for a given current and their effect on the
average torque and aligned respectively unaligned inductance was studied to give a clearly identifiable range of
practical pole arc values. A characteristic value for the pole geometry is the ratio of pole width to pole pitch t/τ.

Determination of other internal dimensions

Once the main dimensions, pole numbers and preliminary pole arcs are fixed, the design of rotor and stator
pole length, stator and rotor yoke thickness and shaft diameter finishes the first roughly design step. That
parameter can be obtained as follows.

Rotor pole height hr

Generally, a short rotor pole leads to a small inductance ratio La/Lu but allows a longer stator pole if the
envelope dimensions of the magnetic core remain unchanged (e.g. diameter of stator and rotor yoke, shaft
diameter and stator outer diameter). The bore diameter varies in this case. Hence more space for the stator
windings is available. A larger rotor pole increases the air gap radius rg, but at the same time the stator poles
must be shorter.

Rotor yoke thickness yr

The rotor yoke thickness yr is determined by the need of mechanical stiffness and the operating flux density.
In a SRM with a two-pole flux pattern the main flux divides into two equal parts when it leaves the rotor
pole and enters the rotor yoke. Therefore, yr should be at least half of the stator pole width in order to
carry the peak rotor flux without saturating. Regarding the fact that sections of the rotor yoke are shared
between different phases which may overlap, it is to choose the rotor yoke thickness about 20-40% more than
tr/2.
The range of values to be chosen from has to account for the interpolar air gap to provide a sufficient high
inductance ratio La/Lu, but also sufficient mechanical stiffness.

Shaft diameter Ds
In order to maximise the lateral stiffness a large shaft diameter Dsh is favorable. This also contributes to the
minimization of acoustic noise and raises the first critical speed. If the height and width of the rotor poles and the rotor
yoke thickness are fixed, then the shaft diameter can be obtained with the outer rotor diameter Dr as follows:
Dsh = Dr − 2(hr + yr )
Stator yoke thickness ys
The stator yoke thickness ys is determined on the basis of maximum flux density and by the addition factor of vibration
minimization and reducing acoustic noise. The stator yoke flux density is approximately half of that of the stator poles.
Concerning that sections of the yoke are shared between different phases which may overlap, it is proposed to choose
the stator yoke thickness about 20-40%
EE3009- SPECIAL ELECTRICAL MACHINES, Unit 2 (SRM) Question Bank and Question Answer Page 20 of 20
Stator pole height hs
The stator pole height hs should be as large as possible in order to maximise the winding area and to make it easy to
insert enough copper for minimized copper losses. One note that the stator coil has to be held in place and therefore
small space is required near the pole face.

Cross section of an 8/6-SRM showing stator and rotor dimensioning parameters

The selection of various coefficients related to the motor geometry, magnetic and electric properties.

The final machine design is achieved through an iterative process of analytical steady-state and dynamic
performance calculations, numerical FEM calculations and simulations.

Winding design
The slot area can be calculated by subdividing the stator slot into two geometric sections, as shown in
Fig. (a) has a trapezoidal cross section; the cross section of section (b) is a segment of circle.

Fig. Stator slot area

The cross section of the trapezoidal section A(a) can be calculated with:

The parameter t is the stator pole width at the pole base regarding tapered (trapezoidal) pole shapes. With
s,y
respect to Fig.b it can be calculated with the tapering angle of the stator pole side γ as follows:
s
The number of turns per phase respectively the number of turns per pole can be roughly estimated with the
assumption that the conduction (‘dwell’) angle Θ of the SRM at a particular speed has a certain value, maybe the
d
stroke angle. Under the condition of single pulse operation with no current chopping the maximum flux value is
given by the law of induction (recessive voltage drops are neglected) with the dc supply voltage V .
s

The winding cross sectional area of one coil A is

wc