Traction drive topology with input transformer and active rectifier based on a multiphase switched reluctance motor

Switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have been very popular in academia for the last few decades since the invention of the IGBT. However, the drawbacks of SRMs, such as high torque ripple and the cost of the power electronic converter, limit their application in industry and traction. To address these issues, a traction drive topology with an input multiwinding transformer and active rectifiers, based on a multi-phase switched reluctance motor with switched windings, is proposed. This topology which utilizes a multi-phase motor provides significantly lower torque ripple. The use of a multi-phase configuration increases fault tolerance, and in the event of a failure in one of the drive elements (converter or winding), allows for continued operation at a reduced load. The inductance and magnetization profiles of the proposed motor are analyzed from the perspective of torque production and control. A feed-forward vector control system is presented. The values of currents and torque of the motor in both motoring and braking modes were obtained, and the torque ripple was determined. Data on the operation of the active rectifier were also obtained. A start-up model with a propeller was implemented. The simulation results of the developed system confirm the feasibility and advantages of the proposed configuration and its use in industry.