Motor Drive Device Zero-Axis Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor drive devices for open winding type motors face challenges in controlling zero-axis current, particularly when the three-phase unbalanced component of the induced voltage is non-zero, leading to significant zero-axis current flow that worsens losses and requires adjustment to ensure smoother torque, especially in permanent magnet type synchronous motors.

Innovation Solution

The motor drive device employs a control method that adjusts the zero-axis current by using a combination of Zero Common Mode Modulation (ZCMM) and non-ZCMM space vectors to manage the zero-axis current offset, allowing for intentional adjustment of the zero-axis current to desired values, even when the three-phase unbalanced component is present, thereby improving torque smoothness and reducing losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If Zero Common Mode Modulation (ZCMM) is used to restrict space vectors to seven patterns with zero 0-axis voltage, then common mode voltage is eliminated, but the 0-axis current cannot be controlled when three-phase unbalanced component Ez is non-zero

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommon mode voltageVSAvoid0-axis current control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control strategy into two distinct parts: ZCMM for eliminating common mode voltage and a separate 0-axis current control mechanism for managing zero-sequence current. This segmentation allows each control objective to be addressed independently without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between common mode elimination and 0-axis current controllability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that acts as a bridge between the ZCMM framework and 0-axis current control requirements. By adding a dedicated 0-axis voltage component through modified space vector selection, the system can control zero-sequence current while maintaining common mode voltage elimination in the αβ-plane

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If significant 0-axis current flows when Ez is non-zero, then torque smoothness deteriorates and losses increase, but restricting to ZCMM space vectors prevents intentional adjustment of 0-axis current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor lossesVSAvoid0-axis current adjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic 0-axis current control by enabling real-time adjustment of the 0-axis voltage component through flexible space vector selection. The controller dynamically chooses from all 27 space vectors based on current operating conditions, allowing the 0-axis current to be intentionally adjusted to desired values for optimal torque smoothness and loss reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed ZCMM restriction to variable space vector selection that includes 0-axis voltage components. By modifying the space vector selection criteria to consider 0-axis current requirements, the system can adjust 0-axis current magnitude and direction to minimize losses while maintaining effective torque control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If all 27 space vectors are used for voltage control, then voltage flexibility is maximized, but 0-axis current becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage control flexibilityVSAvoid0-axis current control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively using only those space vectors that contribute to effective torque production while excluding or limiting the use of vectors that generate excessive 0-axis current. This selective approach maintains sufficient voltage flexibility for torque control while reducing 0-axis current issues, achieving optimal performance without requiring all 27 space vectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3255783B1Motor drive device
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP3255783B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3255783B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3255783B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a motor drive device capable of adjusting a 0-axis current to a desired value. A motor drive device (inverter device 100) for an open winding type motor 200 in which a stator winding wire includes three-phase independent winding wires 210, 220, and 230 includes a plurality of single-phase inverters 160, 170, and 180 provided for each of the winding wires 210 to 230 to individually apply a voltage to a corresponding winding wire, and a controller 150 that controls each of the single-phase inverters 160 to 180. The controller 150 adjusts a 0-axis current to a predetermined value by alternately and repeatedly generating a first period in which a sum of voltages applied to the respective independent winding wires 210 to 230 is set to a value other than zero to offset the 0-axis current and a second period in which the sum of the voltages applied to the respective winding wires 210 to 230 is set to zero.