Predictive Control of Output-Current in a Single-Pulse-Operated Switched Reluctance Generator

This article deals with the output-current control of a single-pulse-operated switched reluctance generator (SRG). Typically, a linear proportional integral (PI) controller whose gain is obtained by hit-and-trial or by a tuning method is utilized. However, due to the highly nonlinear nature of single-pulse operated SRG, the performance of the PI controller tuned at one operating point deteriorates at another. This article proposes a nonlinear predictive control algorithm for output-current control of single-pulse operated SRG. In particular, two independent controllers are developed, one controlling the turn-ON angle and the other controlling the turn-OFF angle. These controllers manifest good steady-state tracking, dynamic response, and disturbance rejection. Compared to a PI controller, the proposed controller performs consistently at different operating points without tuning any controller parameter. The proposed control algorithm does not require prior measurement of machine characteristics. It does not require storing any offline computed data.