Design-oriented modelling of switched reluctance machines is gaining more and more attention as it provides an attractive solution to the considerable computational burden associated to preliminary design stages. This work proposes a novel analytical model to determine the unsaturated inductance values, particularly in non-overlap conditions, based on a twofold improvement of the permeance method: the use of elliptic flux tubes, and the ability to self-tailor the flux tube shapes to any machine geometry. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed model is proven against finite element analysis applied to four designs, along with experimental results of a physical prototype. Selftailoring is also assessed and its implementation in an automated design routine is analysed.

Nowadays, simple and cost-effective solutions to extract flexibility from any possible energy asset are being heavily investigated, along with optimal strategies to offer flexibility in different markets. In this context, this work proposes an Electrical Flexibility Forecasting Engine (EFFE) conceived for district heating systems based on centralised heat pumps. The idea is implemented in the case study of Culemborg (ND), demo site of the H2020-ACCEPT project. Here, the engine is run in a typical winter day to forecast and asses both upwards and downwards flexibility, along with the minimum economically viable bids for a local market.

Early design stages of modern Switched Reluctance Machines (SRMs) are well-known for demanding the analysis of thousands of candidates. The need for reducing the computation time is, in turn, fostering the interest in design-oriented analytical approaches capable to maintain sufficient accuracy for SRMs featuring different geometries and rated operating conditions. To this end, this work proposes a novel design-oriented analytical model that predicts the flux linkage loci, i.e., a set of curves expressing the phase flux linkage as a function of both phase current and rotor position, from which the main performance are attained. The model comprises two main parts, each of them containing a novel scientific contribution: 1) a new interpolation technique for the flux loci based on second-order Fröhlich-Kennelly equations, and 2) an analytical model that caters for the flux linkage in partial overlap and saturated core conditions. Finally, the model is validated against Finite Element results of four SRMs, along with the experimental results of one of them, and its implementation in a design routine is discussed.