%0 Journal Article
%T An Alternative for All-Electric Ships Applications: The Synchronous Reluctance Motor
%A Ioannis Ch. Proimadis
%A Dionysios V. Spyropoulos
%A Epaminondas D. Mitronikas
%J Advances in Power Electronics
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/862734
%X The three-phase synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) is presented as a possible alternative in all-electric ship applications. The basic features of this motor with regard to the other types of motors are shown. The structure of the motor and specifically the structure of its rotor are analyzed, while the basic operating principles are presented and references on commonly used control strategies are made. In this paper, a demonstration of a reluctance motor fed by a voltage source inverter (VSI) takes place. To demonstrate the operation of the motor fed by a VSI, an example using a scalar control method is implemented, where harmonic injection PWM (HIPWM) is used to drive the VSI. Experimental results on a commercially available motor are shown, focusing on the harmonic content of the current. 1. Introduction Sea transportation plays a crucial role in the development of human civilization for more than 5,000 years [1]. This period has been characterized by a constant effort to design and construct faster, more comfortable, and more reliable ships. However, the most significant step towards the modern sailing has been made during the industrial revolution, as it led to drastic changes in the design and operation of the ships, one of which was the use of fossil-fuel-powered engines for their propulsion. In modern times, the constant progress in electric and electronic systems had also an important effect on ships and led to the first commercial adoption of electricity-driven technology by the cruise ship industry in the late 1980s [2]. In the latest years, an intensive discussion has emerged around the adoption of the pioneering all-electric ships for the industry [3], since they have more advantages than the mechanical transmission-based ships [4]. This discussion subsequently reinforced the interest in high-end power electronics and electric machines that could be used. Propulsion systems consume the major part of the total energy in conventional ships [5], while in military ships a considerable proportion of this energy is used to power weapon system equipment. Moreover, new, more advanced, and more automated weapon systems are being developed, which will need much greater amounts of energy to operate [6]. From the above, it is obvious that the need for more efficient electric machines in the future ships will not be restricted to those used for the propulsion systems. In every ship, there is a great need for middle- and low-power motors. These are used in a large variety of applications, such as winches, hoists, and pumps for water or fuels. It is
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ape/2013/862734/