Electrical Machine Zero-Torque Control for Smooth Mode Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of torque jumps in electrically driven vehicles due to misinterpretation of phase current signs during transitions from traction to regeneration mode, leading to incorrect switch operation and distorted voltage output.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a computer system to determine a limited d current within an allowable interval, different from the optimum d current, to control electrical machines, ensuring a stronger indication of phase current signs and reducing the risk of torque jumps by using a truncated MTPA map to define the limited d current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dead time is implemented on switches to prevent short-circuit, then switch protection is improved, but torque jumps occur during zero torque transitions due to incorrect current sign detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch protectionVSAvoidtorque jumps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by forcing a non-zero d-axis current before the zero torque transition occurs. This preliminary current ensures that the phase current magnitude is sufficient for reliable sign detection, preventing the torque jumps that would otherwise occur during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the d-axis current parameter from its optimal value to a limited non-zero value during zero torque transitions. This parameter change ensures the phase current remains above the noise threshold, enabling accurate current sign detection and proper dead time application without causing torque jumps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If optimum d current is used to obtain zero torque, then torque precision is improved, but phase current sign detection becomes unreliable due to noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque precisionVSAvoidcurrent sign detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the d-axis current parameter from the optimal value (which produces zero torque but also zero phase current) to a limited non-zero value. This parameter modification maintains torque precision while ensuring the phase current magnitude is sufficient for reliable sign detection in the presence of noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies a preliminary non-zero d-axis current to ensure the phase current is sufficiently large for noise-resistant sign detection. This preliminary action occurs during the zero torque transition period, preventing detection errors while maintaining torque control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If d current is limited to non-zero value, then current sign detection reliability is improved, but torque control precision deviates from optimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent sign detectionVSAvoidtorque control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by limiting the d-axis current to a non-zero value only during the critical zero torque transition period. This partial application of the current limitation provides sufficient signal for reliable sign detection without excessively deviating from the optimal torque control, as the limitation is temporary and targeted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the d-axis current parameter based on operating conditions. During zero torque transitions, the parameter is changed to a limited non-zero value for reliable detection. Outside this critical period, the parameter returns to its optimal value, minimizing the impact on overall torque control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4704329A1System and method for controlling an electrical machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4704329A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4704329A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer system is provided. The computer system comprises processing circuitry configured to: determine that zero torque is requested from an electrical machine (10) of a vehicle drivetrain (11); determine a limited d current (Idlim) within an allowable d current interval (Id_min/max), said limited d current (Idlim) being different from an optimum d current (Idopt) to obtain the zero torque request; and control the electrical machine (10) based on the limited d current (Idlim) to obtain the zero torque request.