Finite Element Analysis of a PMSM for Position Sensorless Control with the INFORM Method

Abstract:
The performance of saliency-based position sensorless control is mainly determined by the design of the respective PMSM. In order to optimize a machine for position sensorless operation, this paper proposes a simulation model, which is capable to predict the position estimation accuracy of saliency-based methods at arbitrary load conditions. Therefore, a voltage-driven 2-D finite element model is implemented, which is fed by time-dependent voltages according to the voltage pulse pattern of the saliency-based INFORM method. The numerically obtained phase current responses are used to predict the estimation of the angular rotor position. Finally, the simulation results are compared with the results of measurements on the concerned PMSM.