Sensorless PM Motor Startup with Closed-Loop Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensorless permanent magnet motor (PMM) startup techniques suffer from inaccuracies in rotor position estimation at low speeds, leading to inefficiencies, vibrations, and desynchronization, especially during transitions from forced to sensorless commutation.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop startup system using a proportional integral (PI) controller and acceleration feedforward mechanism to determine an optimal electric current command, adjusting the output current to maintain synchronization and reduce power differences, compensating for inertia and friction effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If forced commutation with high current is used to ensure rotor alignment, then rotor position synchronization is improved, but motor efficiency deteriorates and oscillations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor position synchronizationVSAvoidmotor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the current magnitude based on the motor's operational state and rotor position estimation accuracy. During forced commutation, the controller modulates the current level to maintain sufficient rotor alignment while avoiding excessive current that causes inefficiency and oscillations. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition smoothly from high-current forced commutation to efficient sensorless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms to monitor motor performance parameters and adjust the commutation strategy accordingly. By detecting rotor position through back-EMF and monitoring current consumption, the controller can determine when the motor has reached sufficient speed for accurate sensorless detection, then reduce the forced commutation current to optimal levels, preventing energy waste and oscillations while maintaining synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If open-loop control is used for startup, then device complexity is reduced, but rotor position estimation accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidrotor position estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary estimation approach during startup where the rotor position is initially determined through open-loop forced commutation with sufficient current to ensure alignment. As the motor accelerates and back-EMF becomes detectable, the system transitions to sensorless position estimation using electrical measurements and mathematical models. This intermediary transition phase bridges the gap between simple open-loop control and accurate closed-loop control without requiring complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary forced commutation with controlled current to bring the motor to a predetermined speed threshold where sensorless detection becomes reliable. This preliminary action ensures the motor reaches a state where accurate rotor position estimation can be achieved through simpler measurement techniques, avoiding the need for complex position sensing hardware from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If high current is applied during forced commutation, then rotor alignment is improved, but torque overshoot and mechanical noise increase during transition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotor alignmentVSAvoidtorque overshoot and mechanical noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by progressively reducing the forced commutation current as the motor approaches the transition speed, rather than abruptly switching from high current to zero current. This gradual current reduction prevents sudden torque changes that would cause overshoot and mechanical noise. The controller anticipates the transition point and modulates the current in advance to ensure a smooth handover to sensorless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically modulates the commutation current magnitude based on real-time motor speed and rotor position estimation. During the transition from forced to sensorless commutation, the current is smoothly reduced to match the actual torque requirements, preventing excessive torque that would cause mechanical noise and overshoot. This dynamic current control ensures continuous rotor alignment while avoiding harmful transient effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250357878A1System and method for high efficiencyclosed-loop startup for sensorless motor drive
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 NIDEC MOTOR CORP
  • US20250357878A1 patent drawing
  • US20250357878A1 patent drawing
  • US20250357878A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for closed-loop startup for a sensorless permanent magnet motor drive are disclosed. The drive provides an output current to a motor. A closed-loop startup subsystem includes a proportional integral closed-loop controller determining an optimal current command to maintain synchronization of the motor during a change in speed. The controller is configured to determine a power difference between an actual motor power output and an ideal motor power output, determines the optimal electric current command based on the power difference, and apply the optimal electric current command to adjust the output current to reduce the power difference. The controller may include an acceleration feedforward mechanism configured to determine and add an acceleration feedforward current component to the output electric current to compensate for the effects of inertia and friction. Additionally, for each torque current command applied, the controller may add a q-axis current offset.