Chapter 2 - Energy efficient three-phase AC motor drives for appliance and industrial applications

Abstract

This chapter presents the basic analysis of a three-phase AC motor control, together with a practical design of a low cost three-phase AC drive. The AC induction motor is the workhorse in adjustable-speed drive systems. The popular type of an AC induction motor is a three-phase squirrel cage AC induction motor, which is a low-cost, maintenance-free, and low-noise motor. The control of three-phase AC induction motor mainly falls under three groups: scalar control methods, vector control methods, and adaptive control principles. One way to reduce the cost of a smart motor controller system is to integrate as many of the essential elements into the controller chip as is economically feasible. Motor and semiconductor companies are working hard on replacing constant-speed motors with variable-speed drives. Designed AC motor drives and low-cost control systems can enhance a product's performance and marketability, as well as contribute toward the worldwide trend of total electrical energy savings, which will help protect the natural environment.