Position Sensorless SRM Drive Using SMO for PV Integrated Battery Powered Light Electric Vehicle With Regenerative Braking Capability

The position sensor of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive significantly contributes to cost of a light electric vehicle (LEV) system. This article aims to develop an economical LEV system by introducing a position sensorless algorithm using a sliding mode observer for a solar PV-battery powered SRM drive. This algorithm does not rely on magnetic data in look-up tables and calculates the instantaneous phase inductance as a function of phase current and rotor position online. Estimated and actual positions of the SRM are compared. Additionally, drive system supports regenerative braking to recover kinetic energy back into the battery, enhancing LEV's range. The integration of a solar PV panel extends driving miles by charging the battery at low speeds and standstill and supplying extra current at higher speeds or under load. A Cuk dc–dc converter manages the power flow for battery charging and discharging. An experimental prototype of this drive system is developed and validated in design and control of solar PV-battery powered SRM-based LEV system.