Quasi-three-level converter for switched reluctance motor drives reducing current rising and falling times

This study presents a new configuration of power converter for switched reluctance motor drives. The system allows reduction of the detrimental impact of the commutation processes in motor winding on overall motor performance through enabling reconfiguration of windings connection during operation of motor. Shorter time of commutation, which is the main characteristic of the system, increases the motor average torque particularly in range of operation with high rotational speed. Application of the system in a standard switched reluctance motor-based drive results in extension of range of operation with constant torque and mechanical power as much as two times. The electromechanical characteristics of motor driven from the system are compared with those of the same motor driven from a standard half-bridge converter.