A backstepping nonlinear control approach to switched reluctance motors

This paper presents the application of backstepping feedback design technique to the speed control of a switched reluctance motor (SRM). Using backstepping method, both feedback laws and Lyapunov based designs are applied in the controller design. The mathematical model for the SRM: takes magnetic saturation into account. The controller takes phase currents, rotor position, rotor speed, and reference speed as inputs, and calculates the voltage required to maintain the motor speed close to the reference speed. The turn-on and conduction angles are continuously controlled to improve the system performance. An experimentally verified Saber model is used for simulation. A conventional PI controller is used for comparison. Simulation results confirm reduction in torque ripples, improved transient and steady state performance, and robustness of the controller.