Sensorless Brushless Motor Commutation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The power of two-phase brushless motors is limited by the intermediate circuit voltage, particularly in battery-powered devices, where the voltage drop restricts the motor's performance, and existing sensorless control methods do not optimize efficiency due to phase current lagging behind induced voltage.

Innovation Solution

Adjusting the commutation angle by setting a predetermined target value for the induced voltage that deviates from zero, allowing the phase-locked loop to synchronize with a reference value, thereby increasing the motor's power output even at lower voltages, and implementing a control device to determine and compare induced voltages for optimal commutation timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the intermediate circuit voltage is reduced in battery-powered devices, then energy efficiency and portability are improved, but the motor power output is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidmotor power output
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the commutation angle parameter from the conventional zero-induced-voltage point to a predetermined target value that deviates from zero. This parameter change allows the motor to operate at optimal power factor even when intermediate circuit voltage drops, maintaining motor power output while accepting lower voltage for improved energy efficiency and portability in battery-powered devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the commutation angle is adjusted to optimize power factor, then motor efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the microcontroller continuously monitors the induced voltage in the non-energized phase and adjusts the commutation timing accordingly. The system compares the determined induced voltage with a predetermined target value and dynamically adapts the commutation time to maintain optimal power factor, improving motor efficiency through closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the induced voltage from the non-energized phase itself as the feedback signal for commutation timing, eliminating the need for external position sensors. The motor's own electrical characteristics provide the necessary information for self-regulation of the commutation angle, reducing additional hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a position sensor is used for commutation control, then rotor position detection accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve rotor position detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the induced voltage from the non-energized phase itself as the feedback signal for commutation timing, eliminating the need for external position sensors. The motor's own electrical characteristics provide the necessary information for self-regulation of the commutation angle, reducing additional hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The induced voltage in the non-energized phase serves as an intermediary signal that indirectly provides rotor position information. Instead of directly measuring rotor position with sensors, the system uses the electromagnetic coupling between phases to derive commutation timing information, simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables increased power output and efficiency of the brushless motor, allowing full performance even at lower voltages, reducing the need for larger converters and minimizing costs and installation space, while maintaining efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

comparing the determined induced voltage with a predetermined target value of the induced voltage, which is not equal to zero, and adjusting the commutation time, if the difference between the determined induced voltage and the predetermined target value of the induced voltage is not equal to zero

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase-locked loop synchronization:

Implementation Method 2

determining the induced voltage of a non-energized phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4037179A1Method for driving an at least two-phase brushless motor
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP4037179A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4037179A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4037179A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a brushless motor (M) with at least two phases, preferably without a rotor position sensor, comprising at least the following steps: • Energizing (100) two phases (U, V, W), wherein the voltage (UPhase) of the energizing (100) is set by means of PWM control, • Determining (200) the induced voltage (EMF) of a non-energized phase (U, V, W), • Comparing (300) the determined induced voltage (EMF) with a predetermined setpoint of the induced voltage (EMKRef), which is not equal to zero, and • Adjusting (400) the commutation time if the difference between the determined induced voltage (EMF) and the predetermined setpoint of the induced voltage (EMKRef) is not equal to zero.