An implementation of rotor speed observer for sensorless induction motor drive in case of machine parameter uncertainty

The paper describes observers using model reference adaptive system for sensorless induction motor drive with the pulse width modulator and the direct torque control under the circumstances of incorrect information of induction motor parameters. An approximation based on the definition of the Laplace transformation is used to obtain initial values of the parameters. These values are utilized to simulate sensorless control structures of the induction motor drive in Matlab-Simulink environment. Performance comparison of two typical observers is carried out at different speed areas and in presence of parameter uncertainty. A laboratory stand with the induction motor drive and load unit is set up to verify the properties of observers. Experimental results confirm the expected dynamic properties of selected observer

Data-driven online temperature compensation for robust field-oriented torque-controlled induction machines

Squirrel-cage induction machines (IMs) with indirect field-oriented control are widely used in industry and are frequently chosen for their accurate and dynamic torque control. During operation, however, temperature rises leading to changes in machine parameters. The rotor resistance, in particular, alters, affecting the accuracy of the torque control. The authors investigated the effect of a rotor resistance parameter mismatch in the control algorithm on the angular rotor flux misalignment and the subsequent deviation of stator currents and motor torque from their setpoints. Hence, an online, data-driven torque compensation to eliminate the temperature effect is proposed to enable robust torque-controlled IMs. A model-based analysis and experimental mapping of the temperature effect on motor torque is presented. A temperature-torque lookup-table is subsequently implemented within the control algorithm demonstrating the ability to reduce the detrimental effect of temperature on torque control. Experimental results on a 5.5 kW squirrel-cage induction motor show that the proposed data-driven online temperature compensation method is able to reduce torque mismatch when compared to having no temperature compensation. Up to 17% torque mismatch is reduced at nominal torque and even up to 23% at torque setpoints that are lower than 20% of the nominal torque. A limited torque error of <1% remains in a broad operating range

Sensorless control for limp-home mode of EV applications

PhD ThesisOver the past decade research into electric vehicles’ (EVs) safety, reliability and availability has become a hot topic and has attracted a lot of attention in the literature. Inevitably these key areas require further study and improvement. One of the challenges EVs face is speed/position sensor failure due to vibration and harsh environments. Wires connecting the sensor to the motor controller have a high likelihood of breakage. Loss of signals from the speed/position sensor will bring the EV to halt mode. Speed sensor failure at a busy roundabout or on a high speed motorway can have serious consequences and put the lives of drivers and passengers in great danger. This thesis aims to tackle the aforementioned issues by proposing several novel sensorless schemes based on Model Reference Adaptive Systems (MRAS) suitable for limp-home mode of EV applications. The estimated speed from these schemes is used for the rotor flux position estimation. The estimated rotor flux position is employed for sensorless torque-controlled drive (TCD) based on indirect rotor field oriented control (IRFOC). The capabilities of the proposed schemes have been evaluated and compared to the conventional back-Electromotive Force MRAS (back-EMF MRAS) scheme using simulation environment and a test bench setup. The new schemes have also been tested on electric golf buggies. The results presented for the proposed schemes show that utilising these schemes provide a reliable and smooth sensorless operation during vehicle test-drive starting from standstill and over a wide range of speeds, including the field weakening region. Employing these new schemes for sensorless TCD in limp-home mode of EV applications increases safety, reliability and availability of EVs

Some Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) Sensorless Control Methods based on Operation Speed Area

This paper compares some sensorless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) controls for driving an electric vehicle in terms of operating speed. Sensorless control is a type of control method in which sensors, such as speed and position sensors, are not used to measure controlled variables.  The controlled variable value is estimated from the stator current measurement. Sensorless control performance is not as good as a sensor-based system. This paper aims are to recommend a control method for the PMSM sensorless controls that would be used to drive an electric vehicle. The methods that we will discuss are divided into four categories based on the operation speed area.  They are a startup, low speed, high speed, and low and high-speed areas. The low and high-speed area will be divided into with and without switching.  If PMSM more work at high speed, the most speed area that is used, we prefer to choose the method that works at high speed, that is, the modification or combination of two or more conventional methods

Prädiktive Regelung und Finite-Set-Beobachter für Windgeneratoren mit variabler Drehgeschwindigkeit

This dissertation presents several model predictive control (MPC) techniques and finite-position-set observers (FPSOs) for permanent-magnet synchronous generators and doubly-fed induction generators in variable-speed wind turbines. The proposed FPSOs are novel ones and based on the concept of finite-control-set MPC. Then, the problems of the MPC techniques like sensitivity to variations of the model parameters and others are investigated and solved in this work.Die vorliegende Dissertation stellt mehrere unterschiedliche Verfahren der modellprädiktiven Regelung (MPC) und so genannte Finite-Position-Set-Beobachter (FPSO) sowohl für Synchrongeneratoren mit Permanentmagneterregung als auch für doppelt gespeiste Asynchrongeneratoren in Windkraftanlagen mit variabler Drehzahl vor und untersucht diese. Für die Beobachter (FPSO) wird ein neuartiger Ansatz vorgestellt, der auf dem Konzept der Finite-Control-Set-MPC basiert. Außerdem werden typische Eigenschaften der MPC wie beispielsweise die Anfälligkeit gegenüber Parameterschwankungen untersucht und kompensiert

An MRAS Speed Observer Based on dq-axis Power Winding Flux for Sensorless Control of Standalone BDFIGs

This paper addresses a new mechanical rotor speed observer for sensorless control of standalone Brushless Doubly-Fed Induction Generators (BDFIGs) based on the dq axis power winding flux model reference adaptive system (MRAS) observer. The observer is integrated in the control method for control the terminal frequency and voltage magnitude under various work conditions. The efficiency of the proposed observer and control strategy is proved by overall simulation results and confirmed by experiments. As illustrated without using physical rotor speed sensors, the sensorless control strategy integrating the proposed speed observer can keep effectively the frequency and amplitude of power winding voltage fixed at various rotor speeds and under various conditions of machine parameter and load changes

Model reference adaptive system speed estimator based on type-1 and type-2 fuzzy logic sensorless control of electrical vehicle with electrical differential

Introduction. In this paper, a new approach for estimating the speed of in-wheel electric vehicles with two independent rear drives is presented. Currently, the variable-speed induction motor replaces the DC motor drive in a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles where quick dynamic response is required. This is now possible as a result of significant improvements in the dynamic performance of electrical drives brought about by technological advancements and development in the fields of power commutation devices, digital signal processing, and, more recently, intelligent control systems. The system’s reliability and robustness are improved, and the cost, size, and upkeep requirements of the induction motor drive are reduced through control strategies without a speed sensor. Successful uses of the induction motor without a sensor have been made for medium- and high-speed operations. However, low speed instability and instability under various charge perturbation conditions continue to be serious issues in this field of study and have not yet been effectively resolved. Some application such as traction drives and cranes are required to maintain the desired level of torque down to low speed levels with uncertain load torque disturbance conditions. Speed and torque control is more important particularly in motor-in-wheel traction drive train configuration where vehicle wheel rim is directly connected to the motor shaft to control the speed and torque. Novelty of the proposed work is to improve the dynamic performance of conventional controller used of model reference adaptive system speed observer using both type-1 and type-2 fuzzy logic controllers. Purpose. In proposed scheme, the performance of the engine is being controlled, fuzzy logic controller is controlling the estimate rotor speed, and results are then compared using type-1 and type-2. Method. For a two-wheeled motorized electric vehicle, a high-performance sensorless wheel motor drive based on both type-2 and type-1 fuzzy logic controllers of the model reference adaptive control system is developed. Results. Proved that, using fuzzy logic type-2 controller the sensorless speed control of the electrical differential of electric vehicle EV observer, much better results are achieved. Practical value. The main possibility of realizing reliable and efficient electric propulsion systems based on intelligent observers (type-2 fuzzy logic) is demonstrated. The research methodology has been designed to facilitate the future experimental implementation on a digital signal processor

High-frequency issues using rotating voltage injections intended for position self-sensing

The rotor position is required in many control schemes in electrical drives. Replacing position sensors by machine self-sensing estimators increases reliability and reduces cost. Solutions based on tracking magnetic anisotropies through the monitoring of the incremental inductance variations are efficient at low-speed and standstill operations. This inductance can be estimated by measuring the response to the injection of high-frequency signals. In general however, the selection of the optimal frequency is not addressed thoroughly. In this paper, we propose discrete-time operations based on a rotating voltage injection at frequencies up to one third of the sampling frequency used by the digital controller. The impact on the rotation-drive, the computational requirement, the robustness and the effect of the resistance on the position estimation are analyzed regarding the signal frequency