Synchronous Reluctance Machine (SynRM) in Variable Speed Drives (VSD) Applications

This thesis is comprehensively dedicated to the theoretical and experimental reevaluation of the Synchronous Reluctance Machine (SynRM). A simple approach to derive the SynRM main characteristics and behavior is followed. An introduction to an evaluation of the different control strategies in is given. Finding suitable rotor geometry for the SynRM has been a subject for major investigation since 1923. This thesis will investigate the interior barrier rotor structure of the SynRM using the Finite Element Method (FEM) based sensitivity analysis. The Permanent Magnet assisted SynRM (PMaSynRM) is studied. The main aim here is to address accurately, qualitatively and quantitatively the main characteristics of such a machine. A heat-run test has been done on a prototyped SynRM and its corresponding IM and Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) Machine to investigate the potential of the SynRM, under variable speed drive (VSD) supply conditions. This gives the state-ofart based on these measurements on the prototype SynRM and benchmarks its performance. The main behavior and characteristics of an anisotropic structure, suitable for high performance SynRM rotor geometry design, is distinguished and discussed. The carefully selected general rotor shape and some optimum distribution rules are used to develop a novel FEM-aided fast rotor design optimization for SynRM. Torque ripple minimization of SynRM is discussed. This is done by the development of a general method that minimizes the ripple independent of the stator structure. The torque ripple and interconnection to iron losses are briefly discussed. Based on these design tools, a design that is a compromise between the final machine? s performance and simplicity of the rotor structure is studied as the improved machine design. The fine tuned most promising design is prototyped and its performance compared with IM. Naturally, to have an anisotropic structure the q-axis flux must be blocked and simultaneously the d-axis flux must flow smoothly. One possibility is to align the barrier edges along the d-axis natural flux lines in the solid rotor. A prototype of the final optimized machine design SynRM is manufactured. The performance of this machine is measured and compared with the improved machine design. The effect of the number of poles on SynRM performance is discussed. Some of the most important secondary effects in SynRM are studied. Skew and torque quality, the possible effects of alternative voltage or current source supplies on torque and iron losses, the start-up and short-circuit locked rotor tests performed on the standard IM and the prototype SynRM and the effect of eccentricity are investigated. An overview comparison between IM and SynRM is given. For this purpose, a high performance rotor structure for SynRM with standard sizes of 3kW, 15kW and 90kW is designed. The thermal performance of the SynRM is discussed by analyzing the measured machine temperatures. A detailed picture regarding the thermal performance of the SynRM machine is presented. A full scale performance evaluation of the SynRM in comparison to its counterpart the IM is given. All IM and SynRM motors have the same standard stator for each size. The MTPA control strategy is used. Finally, all reported measurements in this thesis are summarized and analyzed.