Network-oriented simulation of variable reluctance motor drive systems with PWM control

Mixed-technology systems defined as networks of interconnected components may be simulated by imposing conservation of flow at each node. Given a library of physical component models in a standard form and the means to embed software algorithms for control, this approach to simulation requires little more from the user than to specify what types of physical components are present and how these physical components are interconnected to each other and to the control algorithms. This paper summarizes the technical foundations for this user-friendly simulation philosophy and reports in some detail its application to variable reluctance motor drive systems. Novel features include the development of both switched and averaged models of the pulse-width modulated inverter, and the design and demonstration of high-performance position control algorithms.