Variable Switching Threshold for PWM Motor Control Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing PWM control methods for alternating-current motors experience instability due to frequent switching between sinusoidal wave and overmodulation modes, leading to chattering, which affects the stability of voltage control.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method that includes a pulse width modulation control unit, a mode-switching determining unit, and a determination value setting unit, which variably sets a switching determination value based on the power conversion operation state to prevent frequent switching between sinusoidal wave and overmodulation modes, ensuring stable control by adjusting the carrier frequency and switching rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If fixed threshold voltage is used for mode switching, then control simplicity is maintained, but chattering occurs due to frequent mode switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold voltage variable rather than fixed. The threshold voltage is dynamically adjusted based on the operating state (such as motor speed or load conditions), allowing the switching criterion to adapt to changing operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment prevents the system from频繁ly switching modes around a fixed threshold, thereby eliminating chattering while maintaining control simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the threshold voltage parameter according to operating conditions. Instead of using a constant threshold value, the system changes the threshold parameter dynamically based on factors like motor speed, load torque, or other operational parameters. This parameter adaptation allows smooth transitions between control modes and prevents oscillatory behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dead time is provided for switching elements, then short-circuit current is prevented, but voltage output changes significantly during mode transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort-circuit preventionVSAvoidvoltage output stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by anticipating the voltage output changes that occur during mode transitions. Before switching between overmodulation PWM control and sinusoidal wave PWM control, the system pre-adjusts the threshold voltage to account for the expected impact of dead time on voltage output. This preliminary adjustment ensures smooth transitions without significant voltage fluctuations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring the actual voltage output and using this information to dynamically adjust the threshold voltage. The system continuously compares the expected voltage output with the actual output (considering dead time effects) and modifies the switching threshold accordingly. This closed-loop approach maintains voltage output stability during mode transitions while preserving the protective dead time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If overmodulation PWM control is used, then voltage amplitude exceeds carrier wave, but switching rate reduction causes control instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage amplitudeVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the carrier frequency variable in synchronous PWM control during overmodulation. Instead of using a fixed high-frequency carrier, the system dynamically adjusts the carrier frequency based on motor speed and load conditions. This dynamic carrier frequency adjustment optimizes the switching rate for each operating point, preventing control instability while maintaining the high voltage amplitude characteristics of overmodulation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2312743B1Device and method for controlling ac electric motor
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2312743B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2312743B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2312743B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

When performing PWI control in accordance with an overmodu!ation mode, an ECRU ;amiably sets a switching determination value, which is used for determination of switching control modes between the overmodulation mode and a sinusoidal wave modulation mode, based on a switching state of` an inverter at present (S200). Then, the ECU compares the degree of modulation, which is calculated from voltage command values, with the switching determination value (S210) so as to determine whether to switch to the sinusoidal wave modulation mode (S220) or to maintain the overmodulation mode (S230). In particular, when an influence of a dead time is likely to cause generation of a voltage command that requires switching to the overmodLClation mode just after switching to the sinusoidal wave modulation mode, the switching determination value is variably set to prevent the transition from the overmodulation mode to the sinusoidal wave modulation mode. This prevents chattering in which the control modes are frequently switched therebetween.