Sensorless control of the high-speed switched reluctance generator of the micro power plant

Introduction. In the distributed and autonomous generation systems using renewable energy sources, low-power generating units (not more than 100-200 kW) based on microturbines function. Microturbines operate most efficiently at high rotational speeds. In this regard, the generator running with a microturbine must also be a high-speed one. A generator is a switched reluctance electric machine (EM) that needs information on the rotor position. It is difficult to use a position sensor in such mechanisms at high speeds. This paper discusses the issues of sensorless control of a high-speed switched reluctance electric generator in conjunction with a steam microturbine.Materials and Methods. So, it is required to evaluate the proof-of-principle developed to control a high-speed switched reluctance EM. For this purpose, a mathematical model has been created including models of the investigated EM, an electric power converter, and a control system. For the EM under consideration, the active resistance is determined, as well as the dependence of the phase flux linkage on the current flowing through it and the position of the moving element...