Switched reluctance motor controller for light electric vehicles

Nowadays, switched reluctance motor drives are one of the most promising alternatives for the elimination of permanent magnets in the electric traction systems, due to their well-known advantages such as simple and rugged construction, high efficiency, speed torque characteristic well adapted to traction needs and despite their drawbacks high torque ripple and high acoustic noise. Unfortunately, nowadays, the lack of commercial controllers intended for switched reluctance motors slows down its use as power traction unit. This paper tries to overcome this barrier proposing a specific controller, understood as the assembly of electronic power converter and control unit, for electric light vehicles. First, the specifications of the controller will be exposed then a comprehensive description of the architecture of the controller and details about the choice of its components will be given. Finally, experimental results will be shown in order to demonstrate its suitability as a SRM controller for light electric vehicles.