An enhanced current chopping control strategy for SRM drives using Harris Hawks optimization algorithm

• Published in: ISA transactions Vol. 150; pp. 338 - 358
• Main Authors: Saleh, Ameer L., Al-Amyal, Fahad, Számel, László
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Current Chopping Control; Harris Hawks Optimization; Switched Reluctance Motors; Switching Angles Optimization; Torque Ripple Minimization; Switching Angles Optimization; Switched Reluctance Motors; Torque Ripple Minimization; Harris Hawks Optimization; Current Chopping Control
• ISSN: 0019-0578; 1879-2022; 1879-2022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isatra.2024.05.020

This research proposes an Optimized Current chopping Control (CCC) approach for SRM drives. The goal is to implement a simple SRM drive that can effectively meet electric vehicle requirements, comprising minimized torque ripple to reduce vibrations and acoustic noises, maximized output torque to enhance vehicle acceleration, and improved efficiency, which contributes to extending the EV's battery life. Therefore, an optimization problem is formulated and solved offline, incorporating a CCC-based SRM drive model. The control variables for this optimization problem are the switching angles of the SRM. A multi-objective function is chosen to combine three performance indices: torque ripple, average torque, and efficiency. The Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) method is utilized in this paper to solve the optimization problem and find the optimal switching angles based on the selected objective function. HHO demonstrates a strong search capability that can effectively handle the nonlinear magnetization characteristics of SRMs. Constraints on the switching angles are also included in the optimization problem to control the phase current's RMS value and power consumption. The optimized switching angles are applied to a current chopping control (CCC) strategy and an asymmetric half-bridge converter to implement the proposed HHO-based CCC drive. Moreover, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed HHO-based CCC drive, a comparative analysis based on simulations and experimental measurements is presented against other CCC approaches for SRM drives, including modified particle swarm algorithm (MPSO)-based CCC drives and analytical-based CCC drives. •A finite element analysis (FEA) software is utilized to determine the magnetic characteristics of SRMs accurately.•The obtained magnetic characteristics are then verified using a series of indirect experimental measurements to build an accurate four-phase 8/6 SRM model.•The Harris Hawks optimization (HHO) method is employed in this paper to find the optimal switching angles based on the selected objective function.•This research proposes an optimized current chopping control (CCC) approach for SRM drives. The goal is to implement a simple SRM drive that can effectively meet electric vehicle requirements.•The proposed HHO-based CCC drive is validated and compared based on simulations and experimental measurements against other CCC approaches for SRM drives, including modified particle swarm algorithm(MPSO)-based CCC drives and analytical-based CCC drives.