Thyristor-Based Resonant Current Controlled Switched Reluctance Generator for Distributed Generation

This paper covers switched reluctance generator (SRG) and its comparison with induction and synchronous machines for distributed generation. The SRG is simple in design, robust in construction, and fault tolerant in operation; it can also withstand very high temperatures. However, the performance and cost of the SRG power electronics driver are highly affected by the topology and design of the converter. IGBT and MOSFET based converters are not suitable for very high power applications. This paper presents thyristor-based resonant converters which are superior candidates for very high power applications. Operations of the converters are analyzed and their characteristics and dynamics are determined in terms of the system parameters. The resonant converters are capable of handling high currents and voltages; these converters are highly efficient and reliable as well. Therefore, they are suitable for high power applications in the range of 1MW or larger for distributed generation.