Performance Evaluation of DC-DC Converters for Solar Photovoltaic-fed Switched Reluctance Motor Applications in Electric Vehicles

This chapter describes the performance of a Solar PV-powered switched reluctance motor with low torque ripple in electric vehicle applications. The conspicuous impression of solar energy in our nation’s energy requirements has become predominant in recent years. It is a boundless source of energy and the finest substitute for any other non-renewable sources in our country. Switched reluctance motors have become increasingly common in the electric car sector due to their unbreakable features, which include their self-starting ability, simple structure, lack of rotor windings, and low maintenance requirements. However, because to its nonlinear features, SRM's large torque ripple is a constraint. This paper analyzes the performance of a switching reluctance motor with several DC-DC converters, and compares the findings in terms of the motor's speed and torque ripple %. The switching time of the converter is controlled by the MPPT controller, which uses incremental conductance and the Integrator method. The converters presented in this work are the Boost converter and the Cuk converter. These two types of converters are designed in MATLAB software and their characteristics are analysed while supplying the switched reluctance motor. . The DC-DC converter output is given to the input of power converter, which is asymmetric bridge converter. This converter drives the switched reluctance motor under variable load conditions. By varying the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter circuit the output voltage can be controlled. This in turn controls the speed of the motor effectively. The findings of the simulation are used to analyze how well the suggested system works with the motor. From the results, it is evident that using this kind of converter improves the speed and torque ripple performance of the solar PV powered switched reluctance motor. Hence, it is suitable for electric vehicle applications, which require less torque ripple and mechanical vibrations.