Limit cycle analysis in a switched reluctance generator

The Switched Reluctance Machine can be used as an AC generator. In this operation mode, a capacitor is connected in parallel with each phase forming an L-C tank. Due to L characteristics, the behavior of the machine is highly nonlinear and generally, analytical solutions for the system differential equations are not possible. The steady state behavior of the system is a limit cycle. To predict and to analyze this behavior, nonlinear analysis tools must be used. The describing function is a method used for predicting limit cycles in nonlinear systems. In this paper, a study of stability in the switched reluctance generator based on the second order differential equation that describes the system is presented, then the analysis and characterization of the limit cycle behavior are carried out using the describing function.