Controller-Inverter for Sensorless Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors : Application in Onboard Electric Powertrain for Uphill Propulsion in Downhill Mountain Biking

Abstract: This thesis demonstrates a practical implementation of a sensorless permanent magnet synchronousmotor (PMSM) drive for vehicle propulsion. The main design parameters and overall properties of themotor drive are derived for the case of an on-board electric powertrain as a substitute to the lift shuttle indownhill (DH) mountain biking.The theory behind field oriented control (FOC) for sensorless PMSMs is analyzed in some detail.Controller-inverter hardware and software are designed and prototyped in accordance with the deriveddesign parameters. Initial tuning and testing in a test bench environment is described. The powertrain isfinally installed on a test bike and tested on an incline. It is found that the performance of the controllerinvertercomplies with the target design parameters.