Rotor Position Sensing via PWM Timing to Suppress Eddy Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anisotropy-based methods for determining rotor position in electrical machines at low speeds are prone to errors due to eddy currents and temperature dependence, especially when eddy currents are not negligible compared to the change in current caused by high-frequency voltages, leading to inaccurate rotor position determination.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining PWM duty cycles to maximize the passive switching state duration before phase current measurement, ensuring eddy currents have time to decay, and measuring phase currents at specific times within the PWM period to minimize eddy current interference, while maintaining a constant sampling frequency and reducing temperature dependence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If anisotropy-based methods are used to determine rotor position at low speeds, then rotor position can be determined without position sensors, but measurement precision deteriorates due to eddy currents and temperature dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies preliminary action by intentionally injecting high-frequency voltages into the machine windings before measuring phase currents. This preliminary voltage injection creates a controlled current change that enhances the anisotropy effect, allowing the rotor position to be determined with sufficient precision even in the presence of eddy currents. The high-frequency voltage injection is performed at specific timing relative to the PWM switching cycles to optimize the measurement conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs parameter changes by varying the frequency and amplitude of injected voltages, and by selecting optimal measurement timing parameters. Specifically, the system changes the operating parameters of the high-frequency voltage injection (frequency, amplitude, timing) to maximize the current change signal while minimizing the impact of eddy currents and temperature effects on measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency voltages are injected to produce position-dependent current change, then rotor position determination becomes possible, but eddy currents increase causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The method converts the harmful effect of eddy currents into a beneficial measurement opportunity. By intentionally injecting high-frequency voltages at specific timing, the system creates controlled eddy currents that decay at predictable rates. The measurement is performed during the decay phase, where the eddy current signature provides information about rotor position while the magnitude of eddy currents is reduced compared to continuous injection. This transforms the normally harmful eddy current effect into a useful signal source.
Solution Approach 2:
The method applies periodic action by injecting high-frequency voltages in periodic pulses synchronized with the PWM switching cycles rather than continuously. This periodic injection allows eddy currents to decay between injection pulses, reducing their cumulative harmful effect. The systematic timing of voltage injection and current measurement creates a periodic measurement cycle that optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio while minimizing eddy current interference.
3Ease of operation
If phase currents are measured at arbitrary times, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but temperature dependence increases leading to inaccurate rotor position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies preliminary anti-action by pre-calculating and storing temperature compensation parameters and optimal measurement timing tables before operation. Based on anticipated temperature ranges and machine characteristics, the system pre-determines the optimal measurement moments and compensation factors. During operation, these pre-computed parameters are applied to counteract temperature effects without requiring complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining both measurement precision and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs feedback by using the measured phase currents and determined rotor position to continuously update and refine temperature compensation parameters. The system monitors the relationship between measured currents, rotor position, and temperature, and adjusts the compensation algorithm accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing temperature conditions while maintaining measurement precision and operational flexibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise determination of the rotor position with reduced errors from eddy currents and temperature effects, enhancing the accuracy of rotor position sensing without the need for sensors and validating existing sensor results.
Implementation Method 1
Temporal changes in the magnetic flux in the electrical machine induce eddy currents in the electrically conductive materials of this machine
Implementation Method 2
Temporal changes in the magnetic flux in the electrical machine induce eddy currents
Implementation Method 3
The inverter's control signals are calculated using space vector modulation, which converts the specified voltages determined by the controller into PWM duty cycles
Implementation Method 4
both the phase current and the eddy currents generate a magnetic flux
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining a rotor position of an electric rotating machine (10) which is fed by means of a PWM-controlled inverter (40). Specific injection voltages (uinj), which are composed of predefined voltages (ucontrol) and high-frequency voltages (uhf) are converted into corresponding PWM duty factors by a controller (50) and the inverter (40) is correspondingly actuated with these PWM duty factors. Current profiles of phase currents (ia, ib, ic) are then determined by measuring at least one first phase current (ia) and one second phase current (ib), wherein the measurement is carried out within a PWM period, in each case in the chronologically last third of a passive switched state. The rotor position is then determined in accordance with the ascertained current profiles and the fed-in high-frequency voltages (uinj). The invention additionally relates to an electric machine (10) which is designed to carry out a method according to the invention.