Sensorless BLDC Motor Startup via Dynamic Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sensorless electric motors exhibit poor adaptability to various loads due to lack of feedback signals during startup, leading to excessive energy consumption, noise, and shortened service life.

Innovation Solution

A method for starting a sensorless BLDC motor that involves setting up a stator flux rotating coordinate system, controlling voltages on the ds-axis and qs-axis to maintain constant flux and adjust torque, and using closed-loop control to match the starting torque and rotation speed, allowing for efficient and adaptive startup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If maximum possible starting current is provided in the startup stage to produce maximum starting torque, then the starting torque is improved, but energy consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestarting torqueVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control by continuously adjusting the starting current and torque according to real-time motor speed and load conditions. Instead of providing maximum current throughout startup, the system dynamically modulates current based on feedback signals, ensuring sufficient torque only when needed while reducing current during acceleration phases, thereby resolving the contradiction between starting torque and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that monitor motor speed, current, and torque during startup. The control system uses these feedback signals to adjust the inverter output and commutation timing, optimizing the balance between delivering adequate starting torque and minimizing energy consumption. The feedback loop enables the system to reduce current once the motor gains sufficient momentum

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Force

If maximum possible starting current is provided in the startup stage, then the starting torque is improved, but noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestarting torqueVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic current modulation to deliver high torque only when necessary for overcoming static friction and initiating motion. Once the motor starts rotating, the system dynamically reduces current magnitude, which directly reduces electromagnetic noise and acoustic emissions. This dynamic approach maintains torque performance while minimizing noise generation during the startup process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs optimized commutation timing and current pulse shaping to rush through the high-noise startup phase quickly. By precisely controlling the timing and duration of current pulses during commutation, the system minimizes the time spent in high-current states that generate noise, thereby reducing overall noise exposure while still achieving reliable motor startup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Force

If maximum possible starting current is provided in the startup stage, then the starting torque is improved, but the service life of electronic devices is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestarting torqueVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic current limiting and thermal management during startup sequences. The control system monitors device temperature and current stress levels, adjusting the startup current profile in real-time to prevent excessive thermal loading on electronic components such as IGBTs and capacitors. This dynamic protection extends the service life of electronic devices while maintaining adequate starting torque through optimized current timing and magnitude

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preemptive protection mechanisms that cushion electronic devices against excessive current stress during startup. The control system pre-configures current limits, thermal thresholds, and protection circuits that activate before damage can occur. These beforehand cushioning measures include soft-start sequences, current clamping, and thermal shutdown protection that preserve electronic component longevity while enabling reliable motor startup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If sensorless control is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadaptability to loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service control mechanisms where the sensorless BLDC motor system automatically adapts to different load conditions without external sensors or manual intervention. The control algorithm uses motor current, voltage, and speed information to self-diagnose load characteristics and automatically adjust control parameters such as commutation timing, current magnitude, and flux weakening. This self-service capability maintains system simplicity while achieving excellent load adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic parameter adjustment based on operating conditions. The control system continuously modifies key parameters including current frequency, amplitude, commutation advance angle, and flux linkage according to the detected load requirements. These parameter changes enable the sensorless system to adapt to various loads from light to heavy, maintaining optimal performance across different operating scenarios without increasing physical system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The method ensures smooth, stable, and energy-saving startup with low starting current, reduced noise, and optimal torque delivery, making it adaptable to both fixed and variable loads.

Implementation Method 1

providing a stator flux rotating coordinate system comprising a ds-axis and a qs-axis, selecting a voltage Vds on the ds-axis, allowing a voltage Vqs on the qs-axis to be 0

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10840843B2Method of starting sensorless BLDC motor
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 ZHONGSHAN BROAD OCEAN
  • US10840843B2 patent drawing
  • US10840843B2 patent drawing
  • US10840843B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of starting a sensorless BLDC motor. The method includes: providing a stator flux rotating coordinate system including a ds-axis and a qs-axis, selecting a voltage Vds on the ds-axis, allowing a voltage Vqs on the qs-axis to be 0, and resetting a to-be-started motor to a preset position; providing a flux λ to the motor, allowing the current Iqs on the qs-axis to rise, maintaining the flux constant, calculating a real-time torque T1 according to the torque/current closed loop on the qs-axis, comparing a preset starting torque T0 with the real-time torque T1, performing the torque/current closed-loop control until the real-time torque T1 reaches the preset starting torque T0; and continuously raising the real-time torque according to the torque/current closed loop to operate a load, measuring a real-time rotation speed V1, comparing a preset starting rotation speed V0 with the measured real-time rotation speed V1.