Power Conversion Apparatus Saliency Ratio Control for Sensorless Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion systems face challenges in achieving stable position sensorless control, particularly at higher torques, for both interior permanent magnet (IPM) and surface permanent magnet (SPM) motors due to the difficulty in maintaining a saliency ratio above 1, which leads to overcurrent issues and instability.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion apparatus that includes a current detection arithmetic unit, saliency ratio estimation unit, and saliency ratio control unit to adjust the current commands and inductance values, allowing for independent control of the d-axis and q-axis currents to increase the saliency ratio and stabilize position sensorless control even at higher torques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the total current including id current and iq current is lowered to prevent the estimated value of the saliency ratio from falling below a predetermined value, then the saliency ratio can be maintained, but it becomes difficult to enable position sensorless control for stably driving the motor even at a higher torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition sensorless control stabilityVSAvoidtorque output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the control of d-axis current and q-axis current into independent channels with separate limit values. The d-axis current limit is determined based on maintaining the saliency ratio, while the q-axis current limit is determined based on torque requirements. This segmentation allows each axis to be optimized independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining saliency ratio and achieving high torque output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the d-axis current command value based on the estimated saliency ratio to maintain it above a predetermined threshold. By changing the d-axis current parameter adaptively rather than using a fixed limit, the system can maintain reliable sensorless control while allowing the q-axis current to increase for higher torque applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the d-axis current command value is increased to enable position sensorless control at higher torque, then the torque output can be increased, but the estimated value of the saliency ratio may fall below the predetermined value causing step-out

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque outputVSAvoidposition sensorless control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control where the estimated saliency ratio is continuously monitored and used to adjust the d-axis current command value. When the estimated saliency ratio approaches the predetermined threshold, the d-axis current is automatically adjusted to maintain stability, preventing step-out while allowing maximum torque output through q-axis current control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a limit value of the current command is set to prevent step-out when the saliency ratio approaches 1, then step-out can be prevented, but it becomes difficult to enable position sensorless control for stably driving the motor even at a higher torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestep-out preventionVSAvoidtorque output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different current limits to the d-axis and q-axis separately. The d-axis current limit is set to maintain the saliency ratio above 1 for step-out prevention, while the q-axis current limit is set independently to enable high torque output. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each axis to serve its specific function without restricting the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3817218B1Power conversion apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 HITACHI IND EQUIP SYST CO LTD
  • EP3817218B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3817218B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3817218B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A power conversion apparatus controls a load apparatus by position sensorless vector control. The power conversion apparatus includes: a current detection unit configured to detect a current passing through the load apparatus; a current detection arithmetic unit configured to calculate a harmonic current component on a dc-axis as a control axis and a harmonic current component on a qc-axis, based on the detected current; a saliency ratio estimation unit configured to output a saliency ratio estimated value based on the harmonic current component on the dc-axis and the harmonic current component on the qc-axis; and a saliency ratio control unit configured to output a current component that increases or decreases a current command value on a d-axis of a rotor coordinate system, based on a deviation between the saliency ratio estimated value and a predetermined saliency ratio.