Patent ID: 7095206
Filing Date: 2006-08-22
Classification: G01R,H02H,H02P

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a multi-pole, switched reluctance, electrical machine having a plurality of phase winding circuits, each of the phase winding circuits having a pair of terminals for connection across an electric power supply to provide electric current through phase windings therein, a pair of electronic switches connected to the terminals for controlling electrical communication between the terminals thereof and the electric power supply, and a plurality of free-wheeling diodes creating inductive energy dissipating current paths, the method comprising the steps: activating the pair of switches of one of the phase winding circuits to provide electric power to the phase windings thereof through a motor movement distance wherein inductance of the phase windings thereof is increasing; monitoring at least one motor parameter to detect at least one predetermined circuit fault comprising one of a short circuit and an open circuit of an element within the one of the phase winding circuits; and responsive to detection of the predetermined circuit fault, continuing operation of the one of the phase winding circuits with at least a continuing one of the pair of electronic switches, the step of activating the pair of switches being modified by at least one of the two following steps: (1) ending the activation of the continuing one of the pair of electronic switches at a fault motor position prior to a no-fault motor position at which the activation would be ended in the absence of detection of the predetermined circuit fault, and (2) activating the continuing one of the electronic switches to control maximum current through the phase winding circuit to a fault maximum current level less than a no-fault maximum current level permitted in the absence of detection of the predetermined circuit fault.