Direct Flux and Torque Regulation in a PWM Inverter-Induction Motor Drive

A dc motor drive is controlled by varying the armature current and field current. The field is a measure of flux, and the armature current times field current is a measure of torque. Various approximate means of estimating the flux and torque levels in an induction motor exist. Most of these methods are sensitive to motor parameter value changes and do not work well near zero speed. Also, the harmonics in the motor voltage and current due to the nonsinusoidal inverter waveform cause errors in the estimated torque. A practical method has been developed to measure the flux level in an induction motor in the actual operating environment. Using the flux signals and stator current, the actual electromagnetic torque can be obtained. This torque signal responds correctly to motor saturation and inverter voltage waveform harmonics. The motor can be designed to operate without the customarily required flux margin, since the flux level is accurately controlled. The control strategy for use with these feedback signals does not require the use of a tachometer.