Study of axially laminated anisotropic rotor reluctance synchronous machine and its drive

This dissertation presents a relatively comprehensive study of 2-pole axially-laminated anisotropic (ALA) rotor reluctance synchronous machine in both motoring and generating modes. The theory, analysis techniques, and vector control strategies developed can be applied to other types of reluctance synchronous machines as well, with or without corresponding modifications. Space phasor models of the machine in stator or rotor coordinates are presented. Steady state performance, such as, maximum power factor and efficiency are studied. Transient torque capabilities for constant stator flux, current, and voltage are investigated together with transient state operations. Analytical determinations of d-axis and q-axis magnetic fields, and the corresponding inductances are presented. FEM numerical magnetic field analysis along the d-axis and q-axis is performed for refined design and parameter estimations. To meet the desired performance and high d-axis to q-axis inductances ratio from axially-laminated anisotropic rotor, multi-slot per phase per pole should be used. Experimental tests of the machine in both motoring and generating modes are performed, a high d-axis to q-axis inductances ratio of 21.3 and a maximum power factor of 0.914 and a maximum efficiency of 94% are obtained. Novel current vector control and torque vector control schemes are developed with extensive digital simulations. Sliding mode controller is used and compared with PI controller. Torque vector control principles and stator flux and torque estimation techniques are presented together with the table of optimal voltage vector switchings. A wide controllable speed range of 0.1 rpm to 5000 rpm (for current vector control) and 0.2 rpm to 12000 rpm (for torque vector control) are obtained. The dynamics of the vector controlled drive are fast and relatively robust. A novel fuzzy knowledge-based sensorless dc output voltage control of ALA-rotor reluctance generator is developed and digitally simulated. Sensorless rotor position estimation technique is developed and the possibility of sensorless position/speed drive is discussed.