Brushless doubly-fed reluctance machine modeling, design and optimization

This thesis addresses the modeling, design and optimization with experimental validation of the Brushless Doubly-Fed Reluctance Machine (BDFRM) for wind power systems. The BDFRM is being considered as a viable alternative to the Doubly Fed Induction Machine (DFIG) in variable speed wind energy conversion systems. It keeps the cost advantages of the DFIG by allowing the use of a fractionally rated power converter and it has the advantage of reduced maintenance costs due to its brushless operation. A literature review shows that there is still a lack of researches to define a design procedure to make this machine widely used in general and in such application in particular. The main goal of this thesis is to contribute on mastering the BDFRM optimized design by proposing a methodological approach based on different modeling levels and on optimization. It discusses how optimization could be applied in all development stages with distinct objectives to be assessed. More precisely, it draws its attention on setting the optimization problem and on the iterative solution of a constrained inputs/outputs problem by using a deterministic algorithm coupled to analytical-based modeling levels. The activities performed during this thesis can be divided in five main topics. The first refers to the study of the BDFRM and its operating principles in the context of wind power. The second discusses the BDFRM electromagnetic modeling aspects using different approaches. Two optimization-oriented models have been developed: the Semi-Analytical Model (SAM) and the Multi-Static Reluctance Network model (MSRN). The implementation of the models focusing on deterministic optimization and their verification through simulations using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are considered the third topic. It can be concluded from the simulation results that the SAM has a limited accuracy level and it is recommended to be used in early design stages, where the designer is most interested in fast computation times to test many design variation than in obtaining the results with the highest possible accuracy. The MSRN, on the contrary, presents remarkably precise results when compared to FEA, yielding a very interesting trade-off among accuracy and computation time. This thesis has also allowed to specify and realize a BDFRM prototype using an optimization approach, presented in the fourth part. Then, the experimental data obtained from the prototype has been confronted to the simulation results to validate the models, focusing on the investigation of the flux modulation process by the reluctance rotor, especially the mutual inductance among the windings. Although the results were in a sense satisfactory to validate the models, there have been differences that demanded further investigation. A discussion on the most likely hypothesis for that has been performed, indicating the significant role of the manufacturing process on machine performance. The fifth topic explores through a case study the use of the proposed BDFRM design procedure for wind power applications. As a general conclusion, it can be stated that the BDFRM is potentially a good candidate to be used in wind power systems. However, the technical and economic aspects on this choice must be still assessed, analyzing and comparing the overall system solution of distinct topologies within the same framework.