Motor Control Apparatus Field Weakening Scheme

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional control strategies for permanent magnet AC motors are inadequate for effectively managing field weakening and torque production, as both direct and quadrature phase currents contribute to torque, limiting the motor's operating range.

Innovation Solution

A three-stage field weakening scheme is implemented, where the modulation index is adjusted by reducing DC link voltage and torque demand, and finally, the direct current is reduced, allowing for precise control of torque and speed based on motor characteristics, DC link voltage, and torque demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional control strategy holding direct phase current at zero and applying quadrature phase current in proportion to torque demand is used, then control simplicity is maintained, but torque production control is inadequate because both current phases produce torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidtorque production control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameters from traditional zero direct current assumption to a model where both direct and quadrature currents contribute to torque. This is achieved by modifying the current vector control equations to account for direct current's torque-producing capability, thereby improving torque control accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency through updated control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If field weakening scheme modifies current vector control based on modulation index, then operating limits are expanded, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating limits expansionVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic field weakening control where the current vector control parameters are continuously adjusted based on the modulation index. The control system dynamically modifies direct and quadrature current commands according to operating conditions, enabling expansion of the motor's operating range while using structured algorithms to manage the complexity of real-time adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If three-stage field weakening adjustment is applied (reducing DC link voltage, then torque demand, then direct current), then precise torque and speed control is achieved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque and speed control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the field weakening control into three distinct stages: first reducing DC link voltage, then adjusting torque demand, and finally modifying direct current. This segmentation allows each control parameter to be optimized independently at different operating ranges, achieving precise torque and speed control while using a modular control structure to manage system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs preliminary adjustments to DC link voltage and torque demand before directly modifying current commands. This preliminary action prevents excessive current adjustments and protects the motor from operating beyond its capabilities, thereby achieving precise control while maintaining system safety and reducing overall control complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 expands the operating limits of permanent magnet AC motors by enabling more precise control of torque and speed, effectively managing field weakening and maintaining motor performance across varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the voltage used to index the ID and IQ data is reduced in proportion to the amount by which the modulation index exceeds a threshold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation index adjustment:

Implementation Method 2

The motor comprises windings arranged to provide a rotating magnetic field in response to the multi-phase AC power supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

field weakening schemes enable the operating limits of permanent magnet motors to be expanded by modifying the current vector control in view of the modulation index

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField weakening:

Data Source

PatentEP2959574B1Motor control apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 BORGWARNER GATESHEAD LTD
  • EP2959574B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2959574B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2959574B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An apparatus for controlling an AC power supply for an electric motor, said AC power supply being derived from a DC voltage. The apparatus comprises a comparer configured to provide a comparison of a modulation index of a motor control signal with a reference value. This current data provider is configured to provide current data based on a torque demand signal; a speed signal indicating the speed of rotation of the AC motor; and an indication of the DC voltage modified on the comparison for control of the motor control signal which is based on the motor current data.