Fast response adaptive fuzzy logic controller for sensorless direct torque control of PMSM with minimum torque ripple

Purpose - The paper seeks to provide an adaptive fuzzy logic controller for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) under direct torque control (DTC) algorithm to minimize the torque ripple.Design methodology approach - The design methodology is based on vector control analysis. MATLAB simulations supported with experimental study under C++ are used to execute the proposed work.Findings - The results show that considerable torque ripple reduction as well as considerable current ripple reduction can be achieved by utilizing adaptive fuzzy switching algorithm to fire the inverter supplying the PMSM.Research limitations implications - This research is limited to PMSM, however the research can be extended to include other AC motors as well. In addition, the following points can be studied, the effects of harmonics in control signals on the torque ripple. Digital and active filters as solution to these harmonics can be also addressed. The actual mathematical relation between the torque ripple and flux ripple can be studied to set the flux and torque bands width in reasonable value.Practical implications - Based on existence DTC control system, it is only required to change the software-switching algorithm, to provide smooth torque, given that the switching frequency of the inverter module is more than or equal to 15 kHz and the system is supplied with timers. In addition, a relatively higher DC voltage may be required to achieve higher speed compared with the traditional DTC.Originality value - In this paper, the stator flux position, and errors due to deviations from reference values of the torque and stator flux are used to select two active vectors while at the same time the absolute value of the torque error and the stator flux position are fuzzified to adapt the switching of the inverter in order to control the applied average voltage level in such a way as to minimize the torque ripple, so instead of fixed time table structure, a fuzzy logic is used to calculate the switching time for the selected vectors and no PI controller is used as the case in the traditional-space vector modulation. This work is directed to motor drive system designers who seek highly smooth torque performance with fast response.