Low-Complexity Finite Control Set Model Predictive Control with Current Limit for Linear Induction Machines

© 1982-2012 IEEE. In order to limit the armature current within a safe region, this paper proposes a finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) method for linear induction machines (LIMs) by adding a penalty overcurrent term in the cost function. The modulation strategies based on two and three voltage vectors are combined with FCS-MPC so as to reduce the current ripples and steady-state tracking errors. Three different search methods have been developed to help reduce the computational burden by excluding many unsuitable participating voltage vectors and combinations in advance. These search methods are also effective for FCS-MPC with current limit. Finally, some key performance indexes are fully compared for LIMs controlled by different FCS-MPC-based modulation strategies through comprehensive numerical simulation and experiments on a test bench with two 3-kW arc induction motors. It is shown that the proposed low-complexity control strategies can effectively avoid overcurrent under any circumstances

Predictive current control in electrical drives: an illustrated review with case examples using a five-phase induction motor drive with distributed windings

The industrial application of electric machines in variable-speed drives has grown in the last decades thanks to the development of microprocessors and power converters. Although three-phase machines constitute the most common case, the interest of the research community has been recently focused on machines with more than three phases, known as multiphase machines. The principal reason lies in the exploitation of their advantages like reliability, better current distribution among phases or lower current harmonic production in the power converter than conventional three-phase ones, to name a few. Nevertheless, multiphase drives applications require the development of complex controllers to regulate the torque (or speed) and flux of the machine. In this regard, predictive current controllers have recently appeared as a viable alternative due to an easy formulation and a high flexibility to incorporate different control objectives. It is found however that these controllers face some peculiarities and limitations in their use that require attention. This work attempts to tackle the predictive current control technique as a viable alternative for the regulation of multiphase drives, paying special attention to the development of the control technique and the discussion of the benefits and limitations. Case examples with experimental results in a symmetrical five-phase induction machine with distributed windings in motoring mode of operation are used to this end