Reference Input Signals Formation for Induction Motor Control in Traction Drive

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to build the analytical improved (with resistances estimation) real time computation of the reference inputs for rotor flux and torque in the vector control system of an induction motor of a traction electric drive. The reference inputs must maximize electromagnetic torque in conditions of voltage source instability, particularly in magnetic field weakening mode. The conventional way to control the field weakening mode is to form flux coupling task inversely proportional to the speed or inversely proportional to the square of the speed in second and third zones respectively. Such reference input signals are not able to provide the maximum torque capability over the entire speed range, and the improved torque capability is achieved in different ways. For instance, voltage feedback is useful for the torque capability enhancement in conditions of internal and external perturbations. A wide change in speed with the weakening of the flux reveals the nonlinear properties of an induction electric motor. However, in vector control systems, proportional-integrating (PI) regulators are usually used. Therefore, firstly, linear PI controllers must be robust, and secondly, the reference input signals for flux and torque must guaranty linear, not saturated state of each PI controller. The proposed expressions for calculating reference inputs for induction motor rotor flux and electromagnetic torque as functions of actual rotor speed are the approximate expressions. The estimation of the possible error shows that the error is acceptable. Simulation is performed for the vector control system of an induction motor and taking into account the calculation of the control signal by the microcontroller and the dynamics of the frequency invertor. The simulation of the resulting system validates the effectiveness of the control system using the proposed expressions for the formation of real-time reference input signals for setting the flux and torque.