Dual-Channel Variable Flux Reluctance Generator Design for More Electric Aircraft

This paper proposes a design of a dual-channel variable flux reluctance generator (VFRG) for more electric aircraft (MEA) applications. Dual-channel generators are used for MEA applications to increase reliability and redundancy. Magnetic flux distribution of 12/10 VFRG topology is investigated using Ansys/Maxwell. 12/10 topology has two symmetrical magnetic flux distribution that allows operating VFRG in dual-channel mode. A 5 kW 12/10 dual-channel VFRG is designed for a high voltage DC (HVDC) electrical power system and design parameters are given. Dual-mode operating, failure of one of the armature channels, and failure of both armature and field for the same channel are studied. According to finite element analysis (FEA) results, VFRG can operate with smooth torque but at half-power even if one of the channels is disabled. Consequently, dual-channel VFRG is a competitor for MEA with high reliability and redundancy.