Dana Corporation

James M Kokernak

David Allan Torrey

Martin Kaplan

Yilmaz Sozer

Erkan Meese

A method for operating a switched reluctance electrical generator in a manner that is highly efficient involves initially performing a mapping technique to obtain data relating to all of the possible operating conditions of the generator system that generate the desired output power. This mapping technique can be performed empirically or by computer simulation. Then, the effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator are measured or calculated. Next, the optimum conduction angles can be selected as those turn-on angles and turn-off angles that occur using the smallest effective phase currents supplied to the windings on the stator. Lastly, the generator system is operated using the selected optimum turn-on and turn-off angles. If desired, a feedback loop can be provided for comparing the actual output power that is generated by the generator system with a desired reference output power level to insure that such actual output power is maintained at or near the desired output power. To accomplish this, the conduction angles can be adjusted in response to such comparison to increase or decrease the actual output power as necessary.

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Niskayuna, NY, United States of America

James M Kokernak