Multi-Phase Stator Current Tracking with Gradual Penalization of Commutations

Abstract

Energy efficiency in drives is an important issue. In converter-supplied variable-speed drives, switching losses can amount to a significant portion of all losses. This has been considered in Predictive Stator Current Control (PSCC), considering commutations at the power converter. However, in multi-phase drives, the computational burden limits the application of said techniques. Recent fast predictive algorithms have enabled shorter application times with enhanced tracking results. However, the switching frequency becomes larger with diminishing sampling periods. This paper presents a method that retains the fast computation of recent methods while reducing the switching frequency. The proposal revolves around a modification of the cost function to penalize commutations in a nonlinear way. For this task, a novel, gradual penalization is introduced. The method is experimentally applied to a five-phase induction motor. Experimental results show a significant reduction in switching frequency without compromising other control objectives. This results in an enhanced PSCC with a small sampling period and reduced switching losses.