Variable Gain Motor Control for Stable Torque

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for permanent magnet synchronous motors face instability issues, particularly when controlling torque at variable speeds, due to variations in motor parameters like internal resistance and inductance, which complicates the use of identical correctors across different motors in a series.

Innovation Solution

A control method that uses linear operators to regulate stator currents, minimizing or maximizing zero-order components based on current values and convergence factors, without requiring integral components, allowing for robust torque control independent of motor speed and intrinsic parameter measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Proportional Integral (PI) correctors are used to regulate stator currents, then torque control is achieved, but instability problems occur especially at variable speeds and with parameter variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque control stabilityVSAvoidspeed range adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic gain scheduling by making the proportional gain Kp variable according to the operating point (current magnitude). The gain is adjusted dynamically based on the ratio of actual current to reference current, allowing the controller to adapt to different operating conditions and maintain stability across the entire speed range without requiring integral components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed PI gains to variable proportional gain that depends on the operating point. By expressing the gain as a function of current magnitude and using lookup tables or analytical expressions, the controller parameters are continuously adapted to maintain optimal performance across varying speeds and load conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If stability margins are increased to handle parameter variations, then robustness is improved, but corrector performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness to parameter variationsVSAvoidcorrector response performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using fixed conservative gains, the patent implements dynamic gain adjustment where the proportional gain varies with the operating point. This allows the controller to be aggressive when needed (high current conditions) while remaining stable when current is low, achieving both robustness and high performance without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal gain values in lookup tables based on anticipated operating conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the controller to immediately apply appropriate gains without calculation delays, maintaining both robustness and fast response performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If calibration of corrector gain as a function of speed is performed, then speed control is improved, but measurement and implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control accuracyVSAvoidcalibration and measurement requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the gain parameter as a function of easily measurable quantities (current magnitude) rather than requiring speed-dependent calibration. This approach uses the readily available current feedback to determine the appropriate gain, eliminating the need for separate speed calibration procedures while maintaining speed control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses its own internal measurements (stator currents) to automatically determine the appropriate gain values without requiring external calibration equipment or procedures. The system self-adjusts based on its operating state, eliminating complex external calibration requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If identical correctors are used for all motors in a series, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but performance degrades due to parameter variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system standardizationVSAvoidtorque control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the control algorithm dynamic by incorporating real-time adaptation of the proportional gain based on actual operating conditions. This allows a single standardized controller design to automatically compensate for motor parameter variations, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and reliable performance across the entire motor series.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts its parameters based on operating conditions rather than requiring motor-specific fixed parameters. This parameter adaptation allows identical hardware controllers to be used across different motors while maintaining optimal performance through real-time parameter adjustment based on measured currents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2893630B1Method of controlling a permanent magnet motor and corresponding system
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 RENAULT SA
  • EP2893630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2893630B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2893630B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor propulsion unit comprising a motor furnished with a permanent magnet rotor and with a stator, said method comprising a step (ER) of regulating the currents of the stator so that they attain their setpoints by virtue of control signals (Vd, Vq), said currents to be regulated and said control signals (Vd, Vq) being expressed in a rotating reference frame comprising a plurality of axes, characterized in that said regulating step (ER) comprises for each of the axes of said plurality of axes a step (E3) of applying, to the current to be regulated on this axis, a linear operator differing as a function of the value of the current to be regulated with respect to its setpoint, the result of the application of the linear operator being a control signal (Vd, Vq) on this axis.