Parameter Estimation in a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

Abstract: This thesis adresses the problem of estimating the parameters in a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). There is an uncertainty about the parameters, due to age and tolerances in the manufacturing process. Parameters such as the resistance and the current to torque factor Kt, changes with respect to temperature as well. The temperature in the motor varies in normal motor operation, due to variations in angular velocity and torques. Online estimation methods with the model reference adaptive systems technique (MRAS) and offline methods are presented. The estimation algorithms are validated in simulations with Matlab/Simulink and also evaluated with experimental data. Experiments were performed on a range of different motors, in realistic scenarios. Relevant factors such as the angular velocity of the rotor and the impact of the gravity force are investigated. The results show that it is possible to estimate the motor factor $K_t$, with an accuracy of two percentage from its reference value in normal industry conditions. The estimated value of the motor inductance is within 25 percentage of the calculated reference value. The resistance however is affected by the resistance in the cables from the motor to the measurement device. With the cable resistance included in the calculations, the estimate still often exceeds double the value of the reference value.