Improved PMSM model considering flux characteristics for model predictive-based current control

Model predictive‐based current control, which was proposed in our previous study, offers better current response performance by employing mathematical models of an inverter and a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The performance of this kind of approach depends on the predictive model. From a more practical point of view, current behavior in the steady state should be improved. In our previous model predictive‐based current control, the inverter model was refined by taking the dead‐time into consideration. The use of the refined inverter model reduces the current offset in the control. However, the PMSM model was not investigated. This paper proposes a more appropriate PMSM model for model predictive‐based current control in order to improve the current prediction in the steady state. For the purpose, we incorporate more detailed magnetic flux characteristics instead of average characteristics into the improved PMSM model. Specifically, in the improved PMSM model, the inductance of the PMSM is divided into transient and steady‐state parts on the basis of magnetic saturation. The effectiveness of the improved model in the model predictive‐based current control is demonstrated through simulations and experiments. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.