Motor Phase Measurement Normalization Algorithm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor phase measurement calibration methods fail to account for imbalances in stator winding phases, leading to tracking performance errors and calculation errors in initial rotor angular position estimation.

Innovation Solution

A normalization algorithm that determines an offset value and normalization scale factor for each phase of an N-phase motor, normalizing stator winding current or voltage phase measurements by rotating the input vector through discrete steps to achieve symmetrical waveforms with values between 0 and 1, allowing for balanced field-oriented control and improved motor estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional motor phase measurement calibration methods are used, then the motor control system operates without normalization, but phase measurement variations cause tracking performance errors and calculation errors in initial rotor angular position estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase measurement precisionVSAvoidtracking performance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing normalization scale factors and offset values for each phase to transform the phase measurements. The normalization process changes the parameters (amplitude and offset) of each phase waveform individually, scaling them to a common reference frame. This resolves the measurement precision issue by ensuring all phases are measured on an equal basis, eliminating the tracking performance errors caused by phase imbalances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If phase measurements are not normalized, then the control system uses raw measurements directly, but imbalances in stator winding phases lead to errors in initial rotor angular position estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol algorithm complexityVSAvoidinitial rotor angular position estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing normalization calibration before the motor control operation begins. The offset values and normalization scale factors are determined in advance through a calibration process that rotates the input vector through discrete steps to capture the phase waveforms. This preliminary normalization ensures that subsequent rotor position estimation and control operations use balanced, accurate phase measurements, eliminating estimation errors without adding complexity to the real-time control algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If normalization is applied to phase measurements, then symmetrical waveforms with values between 0 and 1 are achieved, but additional calibration steps are required to determine offset values and normalization scale factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaveform symmetryVSAvoidcalibration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by having the calibration process automatically determine the offset values and normalization scale factors from the measured phase waveforms themselves. The system rotates the input vector through discrete steps, captures the phase waveforms, and autonomously computes the normalization parameters without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration procedures. This self-calibrating approach achieves waveform symmetry while keeping the calibration process relatively simple and automated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9912275B2Normalization of motor phase measurements
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US9912275B2 patent drawing
  • US9912275B2 patent drawing
  • US9912275B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of normalizing phase measurements for a motor using a normalizing phase measurements (NPM) algorithm that a processor implements to cause a motor controller coupled to stator terminals of the phases to execute forcing a set of input current or voltage vectors (set of input vectors) including repeating the forcing after rotating the rotor through a full mechanical cycle to generate resulting current or voltage samples (resulting samples) of non-normalized phase A and phase B waveforms. The magnitude of the input vectors are sufficiently small to not move the rotor. A maximum value (x_max) and a minimum value (x_min) are determined for each of the non-normalized phase A and phase B waveforms. An offset value and normalization scale factor (NSF) are determined from the max and min values. The offsets and NSFs are applied to the non-normalized phase waveforms to generate normalized phase A and phase B waveforms.