Performance Analysis and Modeling of a Multiphase Switched Reluctance Generator Under Fault Conditions for Wind Energy Applications

The growing demand for reliable and sustainable renewable energy systems has increased interest in advanced electrical machines for wind energy conversion. Among these, the multiphase switched reluctance generator (SRG) offers advantages such as simple construction, low cost, high reliability, and inherent fault-tolerant capability. This paper presents the modeling and performance analysis of a four-phase switched reluctance generator under normal and fault conditions for wind energy applications. A MATLAB/Simulink model of the SRG integrated with a variable-speed wind turbine is developed to evaluate key performance parameters, including voltage, current, torque, speed, and flux characteristics. To investigate fault tolerance, phase exclusion faults are introduced and the generator performance is analyzed under degraded operating conditions. The simulation results show that the multiphase SRG continues operation even after the loss of one phase, although with increased torque ripple and current stress in the remaining phases. The implemented excitation and converter control strategies maintain system stability and acceptable performance under the investigated operating-speed conditions and phase-exclusion fault. The present work considers representative operating-speed conditions rather than a continuously varying wind-speed profile. The results demonstrate that multiphase SRGs provide reliable and robust operation for wind energy conversion systems. These characteristics make SRGs a potential option for wind-energy conversion applications.