Passivity-based control of linear switched reluctance motors

In this paper, a non-linear controller for linear switched reluctance motors (LSRMs) is developed by utilizing their properties and the energy dissipation theory. As the electrical time constant is much smaller than the mechanical time constant, the whole LSRM driving system can be treated as a two-time-scale system. It is then decomposed into an electrical subsystem and a mechanical subsystem, which are interconnected by negative feedbacks. Controllers for these two subsystems are designed to guarantee that both systems are passive. Because a system consisting of two passive subsystems connected through negative feedbacks is still passive as a whole, stability of an LSRM driving system can be achieved at system level. The proposed control strategy is characterized by a simple structure and easy implementation. Experimental results are also provided to prove the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed position control for LSRM.