Hybrid rotor position observer for wide speed-range sensorless PM motor drives including zero speed

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of wide speed-range sensorless control of a surface-mount permanent-magnet (SMPM) machine including zero-speed operation. A hybrid structure integrating a flux observer and signal-injection techniques is proposed, which results in a rotor position signal independent of motor parameters at low and zero speed. Although the SMPM machine typically has a very low geometric saliency, the injection technique is effective in tracking the saturation-induced saliency produced by the stator flux. Experimental results are presented showing an excellent performance for both the sensorless speed and position control using an off-the-shelf SMPM machine.