Research Projects

Direct-coupled high-speed turbo-generators (turbine coupled with generator) have higher efficiency and power density than gearbox-coupled conventional turbo-generators. The rotor of a switched reluctance generator (SRG) is suitable for high-speed and high-temperature applications as it is robust, simple, permanent magnet-free, and carries no current. The project seeks to develop high-speed SRG (20 kW/50000 rpm) for thermal turbine based generation. The final prototype would be preceded by two prototypes rated 5 kW/ 10000 rpm and 5 kw/ 50000 rpm, respectively. The project includes design and fabrication of high-speed SRG, structural and dynamic analysis of the high-speed rotor, and electrical performance evaluation of the SRG. The complete design procedure, encompassing electromagnetic and mechanical aspects, will ensure structural robustness, thermal compliance and manufacturability of the high-speed machine in a systematic fashion. The scope includes novel control strategies for high-speed generation, back-to-back operation and position sensor-less operation, besides development of high-switching-frequency power converters.