Optimized sensor and sensorless control of PMSM modeled in discrete mode: a comparison of KH and PSO algorithms

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to improve dynamic performance of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) field-oriented control by means of optimizing its PI controller's coefficients. Design/methodology/approach - In this paper, Krill Herd (KH) optimization algorithm is proposed to optimize PI controller coefficients. Moreover, drive control system and steady state estimator are implemented in discrete mode. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, a comparison is carried out between KH and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms. It is noteworthy that PSO algorithm has presented the best dynamic response among the studied approaches in literature. Findings - By using the proposed optimization algorithm, the system tracks the reference speed with a very low error. In addition, the discrete mode simulations do not require initiating integrators. Moreover, it significantly increases the processing speed. The proposed approach is carried out in both sensor and sensorless drive systems. The simulation results indicate lower torque ripple, shorter settling time, lower overshoot, faster dynamic response and higher robustness against speed, torque and machine parameter changes. Practical implications - The PI controller is extensively used in practical drive systems, due to its simple structure and implementation as well as its acceptable performance. On the other hand, PMSM benefits from high-power density, high efficiency, low torque ripple, low inertia, and high performance in a wide speed range. This paper presents an efficient approach to optimize PI coefficients of the PMSM drive system. Originality/value - This paper proposes a new algorithm (KH algorithm) to determine the coefficients of PI controllers in order to improve dynamic performance of the PMSM drive system.