New MRAS secondary time constant tuning for vector control of linear induction motor considering the end-effects

Purpose The end-effects is a well-recognized phenomenon occurring in the linear induction motor (LIM) which makes the analysis and control of the LIM with good performance very difficult and can cause additional significant non-linearities in the model. So, the compensation of parameters uncertainties due to these effects in the control system is very necessary to get a robust speed control. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new technique of LIM end-effects estimation using the inverse rotor time constant tuning in order to compensate the flux orientation error in the indirect field-oriented control (IFOC) control law. Design/methodology/approach First, the dynamic model of the LIM taking into consideration the end-effects based on Duncan model is derived. Then, the IFOC for LIM speed control with end-effects compensation is derived. Finally, a new technique of LIM end-effects estimation is proposed based on the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) theory using the instantaneous active power and the estimated stator currents vector. These estimated currents are obtained through the solution of LIM state equations. Findings Simulations were carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of LIM speed control with the proposed MRAS inverse rotor time constant tuning to estimate end-effects value. The numerical validation results show that the proposed scheme permits the drive to achieve good dynamic performance, satisfactory for the estimated end-effects of the LIM model and robustness to uncertainties. Originality/value The end-effects causes a drop in the magnetizing, primary and the secondary inductance, requiring a more complex LIM control scheme. This paper presents a new approach of LIM end-effect estimation based on the online adaptation and tuning of the LIM inductances. The proposed scheme use the inverse rotor time constant tuning for end-effects correction in LIM vector control block.