In-Vehicle Resolver Alignment via Current Sweep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed measurement devices in electrified vehicles face challenges in accurately determining the rotor position of electric machines, which is crucial for effective control strategies, due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances that can lead to misalignment between the resolver and the rotor flux field.
Innovation Solution
A method involving holding the electric machine current at a predetermined magnitude and sweeping the angle between a reference current and a reference Iq component through a predetermined range to identify the resolver offset, allowing for precise alignment and improved torque control by operating the electric machine according to the derived resolver offset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is coupled to the rotor shaft to measure rotor position, then rotor position measurement is enabled, but misalignment between the resolver and rotor flux field occurs due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary alignment procedure during system initialization or setup. The controller applies current to the electric machine windings and measures the resulting voltage signals to determine the actual alignment between the resolver and rotor flux field. This preliminary measurement allows the system to establish a reference offset value that compensates for manufacturing tolerances before normal operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electric machine to enable alignment detection. By applying specific current magnitudes and measuring voltage signals at different operating points, the system identifies the angular offset between the resolver and rotor flux field. The controller then uses this information to adjust the reference frame transformation parameters, ensuring accurate rotor position determination despite physical misalignment.
2Measurement precision
If the resolver offset is determined through current application and voltage measurement, then rotor position accuracy is improved, but additional control complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs the alignment determination autonomously using built-in measurement capabilities. The system applies test currents to the motor windings, measures the resulting voltage signals through existing sensors, and automatically calculates the resolver offset without requiring external alignment equipment or manual intervention. This self-service approach improves measurement accuracy while avoiding the need for additional complex alignment apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller measures voltage signals during the alignment procedure and uses this information to determine the correct offset value. The system continuously monitors the relationship between applied current and measured voltage to identify the angular position where the rotor flux field aligns with the resolver, then applies this feedback to correct all subsequent position measurements.
3Measurement precision
If the electric machine operates at predetermined current magnitude for alignment calibration, then alignment accuracy is improved, but vehicle propulsion performance is temporarily reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment calibration is performed as a preliminary action during system initialization, vehicle startup, or during scheduled maintenance intervals rather than during normal propulsion operation. The controller executes the alignment procedure by applying predetermined current magnitudes and measuring voltage signals to determine the resolver offset, then stores this information for use during subsequent normal operation when full propulsion performance is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alignment calibration where the controller performs the alignment procedure at predetermined intervals or under specific conditions such as when the vehicle is stationary or during low-demand periods. This periodic execution ensures that alignment accuracy is maintained over time while minimizing the impact on overall vehicle productivity, as the calibration events are brief and occur during non-critical operational windows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, implemented in one or more controllers in a vehicle, includes, in a presence of a propulsive demand of the vehicle that is driven by an engine and an electric machine, holding electric machine current at a predetermined magnitude and sweeping an angle, defined between a reference current and a reference Iq component, through a predetermined range. The method further includes operating the electric machine thereafter according to a resolver offset derived from a value of the angle corresponding to an Iq component crossing zero.


