Motor Encoder Offset Calibration via Constant-Torque Current Variation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for calibrating the offset angle in field-oriented control of electrical machines are inaccurate and require precise machine models, limiting their effectiveness in maintaining constant torque and speed, especially in real-time applications like vehicle driving.

Innovation Solution

A method that periodically varies the current vector along a line of constant torque to determine the offset angle based on speed signals from position sensors, adjusting the offset angle until minimal oscillations in rotor speed are achieved, allowing for calibration during normal operation without requiring precise machine knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing calibration methods using precise machine models are used, then calibration accuracy may be improved, but device complexity and requirement for precise machine knowledge increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffset angle calibration accuracyVSAvoidmachine model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by using its own operational data (current vectors, speed signals) to automatically determine the offset angle without requiring external precise machine models or complex calibration equipment. The control unit itself executes the calibration process by varying current vectors and evaluating speed oscillations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes operational parameters (current vector magnitude and direction) systematically to excite different operating points. By varying the current vector along constant torque lines and observing speed signal responses, the system extracts calibration information through parameter variation rather than complex modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If offset angle calibration is performed during normal operation, then productivity is improved, but torque oscillation and driver disturbance may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration time efficiencyVSAvoidtorque oscillation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process uses periodic variation of current vectors at specific frequencies to excite the system in a controlled manner. This periodic excitation allows the system to gather calibration data through rhythmic parameter changes while maintaining overall operational continuity and minimizing disruptive torque variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors speed signals during calibration and uses this feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of current vector variations. By measuring speed oscillations and comparing them against expected patterns, the control unit adjusts the calibration process in real-time to minimize harmful torque variations while achieving accurate offset angle determination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If current vector is varied along constant torque line, then torque stability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque constancyVSAvoidcontrol algorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control algorithm serves multiple functions: it controls the electrical machine for normal operation, performs calibration by varying current vectors, and evaluates calibration accuracy through speed signal analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware or complex specialized control paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The speed signal acts as an intermediary measurement that links the current vector variations to the offset angle calibration. Instead of directly measuring torque or flux, the system uses speed oscillations as an intermediate indicator that provides information about calibration accuracy in a simplified and accessible manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4066371B1Method and device for calibrating an offset angle
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4066371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4066371B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (100) for calibrating an offset angle (PhiO) for field-oriented control of an electric machine (210) between an angle signal (W) of a position encoder (220) and the direction of the rotor flux (RF), having the steps of: periodically varying (120) a current vector (Is) along a line of constant torque; ascertaining (130) a speed signal (n_t) of the position encoder (220) of the electric machine (210); calibrating (140) the offset angle (PhiO) on the basis of the ascertained speed signal (n_t).