Variable-speed, robust synchronous reluctance machine drive systems

This project develops a robust, compact drive system using synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM) as the drive motor. Small DC-link capacitor is used to bring a compact design of the frequency converter, which is desired by the industry. The research work aims at developing simple, robust control algorithms that can maximize the performance of the drive at various work conditions.

The strong motivation of this project is the current price crisis of the rear earth permanent magnet (PM) material, which is the core material for high performance permanent magnet machines. The PM machine drive system offers the best efficiency and a compact drive unit. But the significantly increased material price, which is 50 more expensive than it was 10 years ago, has hindered the application of the PM machines to various industrial applications. Now many international key players in electrical drive systems design have started a huge investment to develop high performance, permanent-magnet-free electrical drive system.