High robustness and reliability of fuzzy logic based position estimation for sensorless switched reluctance motor drives

Abstract

In many applications where motor drives are used, reliability is of high concern. Thus, a major consideration is the reliability of position estimation schemes when sensorless SR motor drive control is employed. Hence, in this paper, the robust operation of a fuzzy logic based angle estimation algorithm for the switched reluctance motor (SR) motor is described. It is shown using theoretical analysis and experimental results, that by using fuzzy logic, the angle estimation scheme gains a high level of robustness and reliability. A theoretical and quantitative analysis of the noise and error commonly found in practical motor drives is given, and how this can affect SR motor position estimation. An analysis is also given on the concepts of robustness and reliability. It is shown that the fuzzy logic based scheme is robust to erroneous and noisy signals commonly found in motor drives.