Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a two-source inverter. The systems and methods combines operation of a first voltage source powering a conventional single source inverter with second voltage source powering a novel switch configuration to power a load. The switch configuration is controlled by a plurality of control signals generated by controller based on a variety of control modes, and feedback signals.

Abstract: A device to regulate current produced by a permanent magnet machine responsive to a plurality of phase current signals. The motor produces torque for application on a shaft. A processing and drive circuit responsive to a direct current command signal and a quadrature current command signal produces phase current signals for input to the motor. A command circuit responsive to the phase current signals, an angular position of said shaft, and a voltage input command signal to produce a direct current error signal and a quadrature current error signal. A control circuit responsive to the direct and quadrature current error signals produces the direct voltage signal command and the quadrature voltage signal command. The control circuit has a direct and quadrature proportional gain, integrator and clamp circuits. An algorithm produces limited or clamped voltage modulation index signals to obtain maximum efficiency and maximum torque per ampere in the speed range.

Abstract: Method for providing current regulation and a current controller (10) for an electric machine (30) are provided. The method includes receiving a state vector time signal (36) indicative of a time interval when a switching state vector is activated and comparing the received state vector time signal to a commanded state vector time signal (38). The method further includes using the result of the comparison to regulate a direct axis current signal (42, 44) input to an electric machine controller. The current controller (10) includes a state vector error comparator for comparing a received state vector time signal to a commanded state vector time signal and generating a state vector time error. This error is processed by a PI controller, coupled to the state vector error comparator, for providing a direct axis current signal output responsive to the state vector time error to an electric machine.

Abstract: A device to regulate current produced by a permanent magnet machine responsive to a plurality of phase current signals. The motor produces torque for application on a shaft. A processing and drive circuit responsive to a direct current command signal and a quadrature current command signal produces phase current signals for input to the motor. A command circuit responsive to the phase current signals, an angular position of said shaft, and a voltage input command signal to produce a direct current error signal and a quadrature current error signal. A control circuit responsive to the direct and quadrature current error signals produces the direct voltage signal command and the quadrature voltage signal command. The control circuit has a direct and quadrature proportional gain, integrator and clamp circuits. An algorithm produces limited or clamped voltage modulation index signals to obtain maximum efficiency and maximum torque per ampere in the speed range.

Abstract: A device to regulate current produced by an induction machine responsive to a plurality of phase current signals. The motor produces torque for application on a shaft. A processing and drive circuit responsive to a direct current command signal and a quadrature current command signal produces phase current signals for input to the motor. A command circuit responsive to the phase current signals, an angular position of said shaft, and a voltage input command signal to produce a direct current error signal and a quadrature current error signal. A control circuit responsive to the direct and quadrature current error signals produces the direct voltage signal command and the quadrature signal command. The control circuit has a direct and quadrature proportional gain, integrator and clamp circuits. An algorithm produces limited or clamped voltage modulation index signals to obtain maximum efficiency and maximum torque per ampere in the speed range.

Abstract: Method for providing current regulation and a current controller (10) for an electric machine (30) are provided. The method includes receiving a state vector time signal (36) indicative of a time interval when a switching state vector is activated and comparing the received state vector time signal to a commanded state vector time signal (38). The method further includes using the result of the comparison to regulate a direct axis current signal (42, 44) input to an electric machine controller. The current controller (10) includes a state vector error comparator for comparing a received state vector time signal to a commanded state vector time signal and generating a state vector time error. This error is processed by a PI controller, coupled to the state vector error comparator, for providing a direct axis current signal output responsive to the state vector time error to an electric machine.

Abstract: Method for providing current regulation and current regulator for a power converter-driven electric machine are provided. The regulator includes a comparator coupled to receive a measurement of phase current from the machine and a reference phase current. The comparator is configured to provide an output signal indicative of whether or not the level of the measured phase current is below the reference phase current. The regulator further includes a circuit with memory of its respective circuit states, such as a flip-flop circuit. The circuit is coupled to the comparator to receive the output signal from the comparator. The circuit is further responsive to a stream of pulses having a generally fixed frequency to supply a switching signal synchronized with the stream of pulses.

Abstract: The switched reluctance machine providing soft chopping in the output current controls the voltage across the phase winding. When the current through the phase winding in the generating mode reaches a first predetermined value, the voltage across the phase winding is reversed and as a result, the current through the phase winding decreases. When the phase winding current reaches a second value, the phase winding is shorted so that the current increases due to the positive back-EMF through the phase winding until the first predetermined value is again reached, at which time the voltage across the phase winding is again reversed.

Abstract: The switched reluctance machine providing soft chopping in the output current controls the voltage across the phase winding. When the current through the phase winding in the generating mode reaches a first predetermined value, the voltage across the phase winding is reversed and as a result, the current through the phase winding decreases. When the phase winding current reaches a second value, the phase winding is shorted so that the current increases due to the positive back-EMF through the phase winding until the first predetermined value is again reached, at which time the voltage across the phase winding is again reversed.

Abstract: Method and system for estimating rotor position of a switched reluctance machine is provided. The method allows for estimating flux linkage across a respective phase of the machine. The method allows for measuring of magnetization curves at aligned and unaligned positions of the machine. The method further allows for computing magnetization reference data between the aligned and unaligned positions. A storing step allows for storing rotor position data based on the magnetization reference data. The stored rotor position data is indicative of rotor position variation as a function of phase current. A relating step allows to relate the estimated flux linkage to the magnetization reference data to determine, for a respective phase current, correspondence of the estimated flux linkage relative to the magnetization reference data. A retrieving step allows for retrieving stored rotor position data when said correspondence is determined.

Abstract: Method and system for estimating rotor position of a switched reluctance machine is provided. The method allows for estimating flux linkage across a respective phase of the machine. The method allows for measuring of magnetization curves at aligned and unaligned positions of the machine. The method further allows for computing magnetization reference data between the aligned and unaligned positions. A storing step allows for storing rotor position data based on the magnetization reference data. The stored rotor position data is indicative of rotor position variation as a function of phase current. A relating step allows to relate the estimated flux linkage to the magnetization reference data to determine, for a respective phase current, correspondence of the estimated flux linkage relative to the magnetization reference data. A retrieving step allows for retrieving stored rotor position data when said correspondence is determined.

Abstract: Drive circuit and method for driving a switched reluctance machine having at least two winding per pole are provided. The circuit includes first and second direct current links. The circuit further includes a first winding having first and second terminals. The first winding is connectable across said first and second links. A first switch is coupled across the first link and the first terminal of the first winding. A second switch is coupled across the second terminal of the first winding and the second link. A second winding is connectable in series circuit to that first winding. The second winding has first and second terminals. A third switch is coupled across one of the first and second links and the second terminal of the second winding.