A Simplified Predictive Torque Control Scheme for Open-End Winding Induction Motor Drive

Abstract

Variable speed induction motor (IM) drives with predictive torque control (PTC) technique is an advancing technology nowadays. The PTC technique is introduced for dual-inverter fed open-end winding IM (OEWIM) configuration owing to its benefits. The conventional PTC requires flux weighting factor assignment because of two different control objectives (torque and flux) in single cost function. This weighting factor selection plays a key role in selecting optimal voltage vector for better torque and flux response. Several analytical and empirical methods are introduced for optimal selection of weighting factor, which demands more computation time. This paper aims to develop modified PTC, eliminating flux weighting factor. The flux control objective is replaced by an equivalent reactive torque control. Thus making two control objectives of the same units and eliminating the requirement of flux weighting factor in cost function. Furthermore, nearest voltage vector selection strategy is introduced to limit the number of prediction voltage vectors in each sampling period. Thus, overall computational burden is reduced achieving minimum torque and flux ripples. The performance of the proposed PTC for multilevel inversion fed OEWIM is evaluated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations and experimental analysis. To highlight its benefits, these results are compared with those of the conventional and recent PTC techniques.