Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080197800 | REDUCTION OF SUBHARMONIC OSCILLATION AT HIGH FREQUENCY OPERATION OF A POWER INVERTER - A control architecture for an electrical inverter includes a synchronous frame current regulator and a stationary frame current regulator. The stationary frame current regulator receives input currents that represent filtered versions of stationary frame currents that correspond to the inverter output currents. The control architecture employs an adaptive filter module that filters the stationary frame currents to remove the fundamental motor frequency component (and its related harmonics), thus extracting any low frequency harmonic components. The stationary frame current regulator processes the low frequency components, while the synchronous frame current regulator processes the fundamental frequency component, resulting in suppression of low frequency oscillations in the inverter output. | 08-21-2008 |
20080197902 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO REDUCE PWM VOLTAGE DISTORTION IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing voltage distortion effects at low speed operation in electric drives. The method comprises receiving a first signal having a duty cycle with a range between minimum and maximum achievable duty cycles, producing a second duty cycle based on the minimum achievable duty cycle if the duty cycle is within a distortion range and less than a first clipping value, producing a second duty cycle based on the closer of minimum and maximum pulse widths if the duty cycle is within the distortion range and between the first and a second clipping value, producing a second duty cycle based on the maximum achievable duty cycle if the duty cycle is within the distortion range and greater than the second clipping value, and transmitting a second signal to the voltage source inverter having the second duty cycle. | 08-21-2008 |
20080224649 | ANTI-WINDUP CONTROL FOR A CURRENT REGULATOR OF A PULSE WIDTH MODULATION INVERTER - A control architecture for an electrical inverter includes a command limiter that is realized as a circular voltage limiter. The command limiter includes a Cartesian-to-polar converter coupled to a command source such as a synchronous frame current regulator. The Cartesian-to-polar converter provides magnitude and phase components for d-q command voltages. The command limiter further includes a magnitude limiter that limits the magnitude component to the maximum fundamental voltage component of the inverter, and a polar-to-Cartesian converter that converts the limited magnitude component and the phase component into modified d-q command voltages. | 09-18-2008 |
20080224651 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING PERMANENT MAGNET AC MACHINES - Methods and systems are provided for controlling permanent magnet machines under varying loads. The method comprises generating a d-axis voltage command and a q-axis voltage command, producing a modified d-axis current command based on the q-axis voltage command and a d-axis current command, converting the modified d-axis current command to a modified d-axis voltage command, and transmitting the modified d-axis voltage command and the q-axis voltage command to the PM machine. The d-axis voltage command is based on a d-axis current command. | 09-18-2008 |
20080258673 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PULSE POSITION SCHEDULING IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Method and system are provided for controlling an alternating current (AC) motor via an inverter. The method includes selecting a pulse sequencing method based on a modulation index of the inverter, and providing a voltage to the AC motor based on the pulse sequencing method. The system includes an inverter having a modulation index (M | 10-23-2008 |
20080297100 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING VOLTAGE SOURCE INVERTER LOSSES - Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for reducing voltage source inverter losses. One apparatus includes a sensor couplable to the motor and configured to sense an operating frequency of the motor and an amount of torque produced by the motor. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the sensor, the controller configured to determine a zero vector modulation (ZVM) based on the sensed frequency and torque. A system includes means for sensing a threshold output frequency of the motor and means for sensing a threshold torque of the motor. The system also includes means for determining a ZVM for the inverter based on the sensed threshold frequency and threshold torque. One method includes sensing that a motor is operating below a threshold frequency and is producing torque above a threshold torque amount. The method also includes determining a ZVM for the inverter based on the sensed frequency and torque. | 12-04-2008 |
20080298785 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A MOTOR TO REDUCE NOISE IN AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Methods and systems for operating a motor coupled to an electrical bus in a vehicle are provided. Selected resonant frequencies of the electrical bus are determined. The selected resonant frequencies include a low resonant frequency and a high resonant frequency. Power is provided to the motor through at least one switch operating at a switching frequency. The switching frequency is controlled as a function of a rate of operation of the motor. The function is characterized by one of a first substantially linear portion having a first slope when the switching frequency is less than or equal to a selected switching frequency and a second substantially linear portion having a second slope if the switching frequency is greater than the selected frequency, the selected switching frequency being greater than the low resonant frequency and a substantially linear portion having a y-intercept being greater than the low resonant frequency. | 12-04-2008 |
20080303349 | TWO-SOURCE INVERTER - Systems and methods are disclosed for a two-source inverter. The systems and methods combines operation of a first voltage source powering a conventional single source inverter with second voltage source powering a novel switch configuration to power a load. The switch configuration is controlled by a plurality of control signals generated by controller based on a variety of control modes, and feedback signals. | 12-11-2008 |
20080304189 | PROTECTION FOR PERMANENT MAGNET MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS - Methods and apparatus are provided for protecting a motor control circuit in a permanent magnet electric motor system. The permanent magnet electric motor system includes a permanent magnet electric motor having a predetermined number of windings corresponding to the phases of the permanent magnet electric motor and a direct current (DC) bus coupled to a power source for providing operational power for the electric motor system. A motor control circuit is connected to the DC bus for receiving the operational power therefrom and is connected to the windings of the permanent magnet electric motor for controlling the permanent magnet electric motor. A protection circuit is connected to the DC bus for receiving the voltage therefrom for operation of the protection circuit and for detecting predetermined motor control circuit fault conditions from voltage sensed on the DC bus and in response thereto providing protection for the motor control circuit. | 12-11-2008 |
20090026895 | ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEMS - Electric motor systems are provided for use in vehicles. In an embodiment, by way of example only, the system includes a first inverter, a second inverter, and a motor electrically coupled to the first and the second inverters. The motor includes a stator including a plurality of slots formed therein and a plurality of windings. The plurality of windings is disposed at least partially in the slots, and each winding includes a first coil and a second coil. The first coil has a first number of turns, and the second coil has a second number of turns that is unequal to the first number of turns. The first coil of each winding is electrically coupled to the first inverter, and the second coil of each winding is electrically coupled to the second inverter. | 01-29-2009 |
20090027000 | LINEARITY FOR FIELD WEAKENING IN AN INTERIOR PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE - Systems and methods are disclosed to provide torque linearity in the field-weakening region for an IPM machine. The systems and methods adjust the q-axis and the d-axis components of the stator current commands of the IPM machine using a flux weakening and a torque linearity control loop respectively. Thereby, torque linearity is maintained during the field weakening region of operation of the IPM machine. | 01-29-2009 |
20090033251 | SERIES-COUPLED TWO-MOTOR DRIVE USING DOUBLE-ENDED INVERTER SYSTEM - Systems and apparatus are provided for an inverter system for use in a vehicle. The inverter system comprises a six-phase motor having a first set of three-phase windings and a second set of three-phase windings and a three-phase motor having a third set of three-phase windings, wherein the third set of three-phase windings is coupled to the first set of three-phase windings and the second set of three-phase windings. The system further comprises a first energy source coupled to a first inverter adapted to drive the six-phase motor and the three-phase motor, wherein the first set of three-phase windings is coupled to the first inverter, and a second energy source coupled to a second inverter adapted to drive the six-phase motor and the three-phase motor, wherein the second set of three-phase windings is coupled to the second inverter. A controller is coupled to the first inverter and the second inverter. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033274 | SYSTEM FOR USING A MULTI-PHASE MOTOR WITH A DOUBLE-ENDED INVERTER SYSTEM - Systems and apparatus are provided for an inverter system for use in a vehicle having a first energy source and a second energy source. The inverter system comprises an electric motor having a first set of windings and a second set of windings. The inverter system further comprises a first inverter coupled to the first energy source and adapted to drive the electric motor, wherein the first set of windings are coupled to the first inverter. The inverter system also comprises a second inverter coupled to the second energy source and adapted to drive the electric motor, wherein the second set of windings are coupled to the second inverter. A controller is coupled to the first inverter and the second inverter to achieve desired power flow between the first energy source, the second energy source, and the electric motor. | 02-05-2009 |
20090039825 | ABSOLUTE POSITION SENSOR FOR FIELD-ORIENTED CONTROL OF AN INDUCTION MOTOR - Systems and methods are provided for an automotive drive system using an absolute position sensor for field-oriented control of an induction motor. An automotive drive system comprises an induction motor having a rotor, and a position sensor coupled to the induction motor. The position sensor is configured to sense an absolute angular position of the rotor. A processor may be coupled to the position sensor and configured to determine a relative angular position of the rotor based on a difference between the absolute angular position and an initial angular position obtained when the induction motor is started. A controller may be coupled to the induction motor and the processor and configured to provide field-oriented control of the induction motor based on the relative angular position of the rotor. | 02-12-2009 |
20090066163 | TWO-SOURCE SERIES INVERTER - Systems and methods are disclosed for a two-source series inverter. The systems and methods combine operation of a first voltage source and a second voltage source in series powering a novel voltage combining arrangement and a conventional inverter via a switch configuration to power a load. The switch configuration is controlled by a plurality of control signals generated by a controller based on a variety of control modes, and feedback signals. | 03-12-2009 |
20090066283 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LIMITING THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - A method and system for limiting the operating temperature of an electric motor is provided. A maximum operational temperature of the motor is determined. A current operational temperature within the motor is sensed. A maximum allowable power dissipation of the motor is calculated based at least in part on the maximum operational temperature and the current operational temperature of the motor. A torque command for the motor is generated based on the maximum allowable power dissipation. | 03-12-2009 |
20090067203 | THREE PHASE INVERTER WITH IMPROVED LOSS DISTRIBUTION - An inverter circuit couples a DC voltage source having a primary side and a reference side to an electric motor or other AC machine having multiple electrical phases. An inverter circuit includes switches, diodes and a controller. For each of the electrical phases, a first switch couples the electrical phase to the primary side of the DC voltage source and a second switch couples the electrical phase with the reference side of the DC voltage source. For each of the first and second switches, an associated anti-parallel diode is configured to provide an electrical path when the switch associated with the diode is inactive. The controller is coupled to the switching inputs of each of the first and second switches and is configured to provide a control signal thereto, wherein the control signal provided to each switch comprises, in a low frequency mode, a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a first pulse width modulation scheme and the second portion comprises a second pulse width modulation scheme different from the first modulation scheme. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069142 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING POWER INVERTERS IN ELECTRIC DRIVES OF VEHICLES WITH TWO-MODE TRANSMISSIONS - Methods and systems for driving an automobile are provided. The system includes a prime mover power source and a two-mode, compound-split, electromechanical transmission, including first and second motors, coupled to the prime mover power source, a power inverter coupled to the first and second motors, and a processor coupled to the first and second motors and the power inverter. The processor is configured to modify a signal controlling the power inverter utilizing a first voltage distortion compensation method if a modulation index of the signal is less than a first modulation index value and modify the signal utilizing a second voltage distortion compensation method if the modulation index is at least equal to the first modulation index value. | 03-12-2009 |
20090072770 | POWER INVERTER MODULE THERMAL MANAGEMENT - According to an example embodiment, a method is provided for limiting an operational temperature of a motor. The method includes generating a maximum allowable current I* | 03-19-2009 |
20090107742 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A POWER INVERTER IN ELECTRIC DRIVES OF VEHICLES WITH TWO-MODE TRANSMISSIONS - Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in automobiles utilizing two-mode transmissions are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to a commanded torque of the electric motor being below a first torque level, controlling the power inverter to set a switching frequency of the power inverter at a first set frequency; and, responsive to the commanded torque of the electric motor being between the first torque level and a second torque level, controlling the power inverter to determine the switching frequency of the power inverter as a function of the commanded torque of the electric motor while maintaining the switching frequency above a dynamic frequency limit. The method reduces switching frequencies in the inverter at high commanded torques, while maintaining the switching frequencies above dynamic frequency limit that provides effective control over the motor. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108780 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A POWER INVERTER IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to a commanded torque of the electric motor being below a first torque level, controlling the power inverter to set a switching frequency of the power inverter at a first set frequency; and, responsive to the commanded torque of the electric motor being between the first torque level and a second torque level, controlling the power inverter to determine the switching frequency of the power inverter as a function of the commanded torque of the electric motor while maintaining the switching frequency above a dynamic frequency limit. The method reduces switching frequencies in the inverter at high commanded torques, while maintaining the switching frequencies above dynamic frequency limit that provides effective control over the motor. | 04-30-2009 |
20090108798 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING PULSE WIDTH MODULATION IN A POWER INVERTER IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to either a commanded torque of the electric motor being above a first torque level, or a commanded speed of the electric motor being above a first speed level, controlling the power inverter with a discontinuous pulse width modulated (DPWM) signal to generate a modulated voltage waveform for driving the electric motor. Additionally, the embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to both a commanded torque of the electric motor being below the first torque level, and a commanded speed of the electric motor being below the first speed level, controlling the power inverter with a continuous pulse width modulated (CPWM) signal to generate the modulated voltage waveform for driving the electric motor. | 04-30-2009 |
20090134828 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR COUPLED TO MULTIPLE POWER SUPPLIES - Methods and systems are provided for operating an electric motor having at least one winding coupled to first and second power supplies. A torque command for the electric motor is received. A present power reserve for the first and second power supplies is determined based at least in part on the torque command. An operating voltage for the second power supply is determined based on the present power reserve. The operating voltage for the second power supply is applied to the at least one winding. The application of the operating voltage allowing the present power reserve to flow between the first and second power supplies and the motor. | 05-28-2009 |
20090134833 | PHASE CURRENT SAMPLING AND REGULATING APPARATUS AND METHODS, AND ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEMS - In various embodiments, a phase current sampling apparatus ( | 05-28-2009 |
20090134835 | ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEMS, MOTOR VEHICLES, AND METHODS OF PHASE CURRENT REGULATION - In various embodiments, an electric motor drive system ( | 05-28-2009 |
20090179608 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A POWER INVERTER IN ELECTRIC DRIVES - Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. A signal controlling the power inverter is modified utilizing a first voltage distortion compensation method if a modulation index of the signal is less than a first modulation index value. The signal is modified utilizing a second voltage distortion compensation method if the modulation index is at least equal to the first modulation index value. | 07-16-2009 |
20090189561 | ELECTRIC MOTOR STATOR WINDING TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION - A temperature estimation controller and methods are provided for controlling a torque command to prevent overheating of one or more of a plurality of phases of a permanent magnet motor. The temperature estimation controller includes a low speed temperature estimation module, a transition module and a temperature dependent torque command derater block. The low speed temperature estimation module determines a stator temperature of each of a plurality of phases of the permanent magnet motor in response to first thermal impedances measured for each of the plurality of phases with respect to a thermal neutral. The transition module is coupled to the low speed temperature estimation module and outputs the stator temperature of each of a plurality of phases of the permanent magnet motor as determined by the low speed temperature estimation module when a detected speed of the permanent magnet motor is less than a first predetermined speed. The temperature dependent torque command derater block is coupled to the transition module and derates the torque command in response to the stator temperature of one or more of the plurality of phases. | 07-30-2009 |
20090230909 | REDUNDANT DC BUS DISCHARGE FOR AN ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus are provided for discharging a direct current (DC) bus providing power to a motor control circuit in an electric motor system. The method includes the steps of detecting a predetermined discharge signal and generating operational control signals comprising phase currents for dissipating energy from the DC bus through a passive load in response to detecting the predetermined discharge signal, wherein the passive load includes motor windings of an electric motor of the electric motor system. The method also includes the step of providing the operational control signals to the motor control circuit for discharging the DC bus through the motor control circuit and the motor windings of the electric motor. | 09-17-2009 |
20090230913 | DC BUS DISCHARGE IN AN ELECTRIC MOTOR SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus are provided for improved discharge of a DC bus which provides power to an inverter. An electric motor system provided with the improved discharge method for discharge of the DC bus includes an electric motor, the inverter which provides electric control for the permanent magnet electric motor, the direct current (DC) bus which provides power to the inverter, and a processor. The processor generates operational control signals and provides such operational control signals to the inverter. In response to detecting a predetermined discharge signal, the processor generates operational control signals for generating a ripple current in motor windings of the electric motor to dissipate energy from the DC bus through a passive load, the passive load including the motor windings of the electric motor. | 09-17-2009 |
20090267555 | HARMONIC TORQUE RIPPLE REDUCTION AT LOW MOTOR SPEEDS - Methods and systems are provided for reducing torque ripple in an electric motor. A method comprises receiving a torque command and determining a cancellation current command based on the torque command. The method further comprises generating a harmonic cancellation command based on the cancellation current command, wherein the harmonic cancellation command compensates for a phase shift and an attenuation introduced by a current regulated control module coupled to an inverter coupled to the electric motor. The method further comprises providing the harmonic cancellation command to the current regulated control module, wherein the current regulated control module is configured to control the inverter in response to the harmonic cancellation command and the torque command. | 10-29-2009 |
20090284195 | GAIN ADJUSTMENT TO IMPROVE TORQUE LINEARITY OF AN ELECTRIC MACHINE DURING OPERATION IN A FIELD WEAKENING REGION - Systems and methods are disclosed to improve torque linearity of an electric machine when operating in a field-weakening region. The systems and methods adjust the q-axis and the d-axis components of the stator current commands of the electric machine using a flux weakening control loop and a torque linearity control loop such that torque linearity is maintained when the machine operates in a field weakening region of operation. | 11-19-2009 |
20090295316 | GEARLESS WHEEL MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEM - Methods and apparatus are provided for an electric vehicle embodying an axial flux traction motor directly coupled to a wheel thereof. The traction motor comprises a stator having coils for producing a magnetic field, an annular rotor magnetically coupled to the stator and mechanically to an output shaft. Permanent magnets of alternating polarity are mounted on the annular rotor. Magnetic shunts bridge a portion of the stator slots above the coils. The magnets are arranged in groups with group-to-group spacing exceeding magnet-to-magnet spacing. Adjacent edges of the magnets diverge. The method comprises, looking up d- and q-axis currents to provide the requested torque and motor speed for the available DC voltage, combining at least one of the d- and q-axis currents with a field weakening correction term, converting the result from synchronous to stationary frame and operating an inverter therewith to provide current to the coils of the motor. | 12-03-2009 |
20100231149 | LINEARITY FOR FIELD WEAKENING IN AN INTERIOR PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE - Systems and methods are disclosed to provide torque linearity in the field-weakening region for an electric (e.g., IPM) machine. The systems and methods implement a field weakening and a torque linearity control loop for linearizing torque generated by an electric machine. First and second voltage commands are used at the field weakening loop to generate a first adjusting current command. The first adjusting current command is then provided to the torque linearity control loop, where it is multiplied by a gain to generate an output current command, which can then be limited to generate a second adjusting current command. The second adjusting current command can then be added to a current command to generate an adjusted current command. The first adjusting current command can also be added to another current command to generate another adjusted current command. The adjusted current commands and feedback currents are then used at a synchronous current regulator to generate new first and second voltage commands. As a result, torque linearity is maintained when the electric machine operates in the field weakening region. | 09-16-2010 |
20100301786 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF TWO ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) MACHINES - A system is provided for controlling two AC machines. The system comprises a DC input voltage source that provides a DC input voltage, a voltage boost command control module (VBCCM), a five-phase PWM inverter module coupled to the two AC machines, and a boost converter coupled to the inverter module and the DC input voltage source. The boost converter is designed to supply a new DC input voltage to the inverter module having a value that is greater than or equal to a value of the DC input voltage. The VBCCM generates a boost command signal (BCS) based on modulation indexes from the two AC machines. The BCS controls the boost converter such that the boost converter generates the new DC input voltage in response to the BCS. When the two AC machines require additional voltage that exceeds the DC input voltage required to meet a combined target mechanical power required by the two AC machines, the BCS controls the boost converter to drive the new DC input voltage generated by the boost converter to a value greater than the DC input voltage. | 12-02-2010 |
20100301787 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF TWO ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) MACHINES - A system is provided for controlling two alternating current (AC) machines via a five-phase PWM inverter module. The system comprises a first control loop, a second control loop, and a current command adjustment module. The current command adjustment module operates in conjunction with the first control loop and the second control loop to continuously adjust current command signals that control the first AC machine and the second AC machine such that they share the input voltage available to them without compromising the target mechanical output power of either machine. This way, even when the phase voltage available to either one of the machines decreases, that machine outputs its target mechanical output power. | 12-02-2010 |
20110025247 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TESTING ELECTRIC MOTORS - Method and systems for testing an electric motor are provided. A switching circuit coupled to the motor is operated in a first mode causing current to flow through the motor such that the motor is actuated with near zero torque. A magnitude of the current is repeatedly adjusted between first and second values. The current flow through the motor is monitored. | 02-03-2011 |
20110068727 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING POWER ELECTRONICS CONTROLLERS IN AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an automotive electrical system including an inverter having at least one switch. First and second voltage commands corresponding to respective first and second components of a commanded voltage vector on a synchronous frame of reference coordinate system are received. A plurality of duty cycles for operating the at least one switch are calculated based on the first and second voltage commands. First and second actual voltages are calculated based on the plurality of duty cycles. The first and second actual voltages correspond to respective first and second components of an actual voltage vector on the synchronous frame of reference coordinate system. An indication of a fault is generated based on the difference between the first components of the commanded voltage vector and the actual voltage vector and the difference between the second components of the commanded voltage vector and the actual voltage vector. | 03-24-2011 |
20110089883 | MOTOR PHASE WINDING FAULT DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of detecting a phase winding fault in a multi-phase electric machine is executable via a motor controller, and includes measuring feedback signals of the machine, including each phase current, and generating reference phase voltages for each phase. The method includes calculating a predetermined voltage value using the feedback signals and reference phase voltages, and comparing the voltage value to a corresponding threshold to determine the fault. A control action is executed when the voltage value exceeds the corresponding threshold. The voltage value is one or more of: a ratio of a normalized zero sequence voltage to a modulation index, an RMS voltage for each phase, and total harmonic distortion of each phase current. An apparatus detects the fault, and includes a motor controller and an algorithm as set forth above. The apparatus may include a voltage inverter for generating a multi-phase alternating current output for powering the machine. | 04-21-2011 |
20110115294 | DUAL VOLTAGE-SOURCE INVERTER SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods are disclosed for a dual voltage-source inverter system. The systems and methods selectively couple a first voltage source and a second voltage source to an inverter via a controllable switch. | 05-19-2011 |
20110140646 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INDUCTION MACHINE CONTROL - A method for controlling an induction machine having a rotor includes the steps of obtaining a torque command, calculating an estimated squared value of resistance of the rotor using the torque command, determining an offset for the resistance of the rotor, and generating an updated measure of rotor resistance using the estimated squared value and the offset. | 06-16-2011 |
20110169438 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR USING ZERO CURRENT OFFSET VALUE CANCELLATION - Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. The electric motor includes at least one winding. A winding current flowing through the at least one winding is monitored. The winding current has an oscillating component and an offset component. The offset component of the winding current is isolated from the oscillating component of the winding current. The electric motor is controlled based on the offset component of the winding current. | 07-14-2011 |
20110187304 | MOTOR PHASE WINDING FAULT DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method of detecting a phase winding fault in a multi-phase electric machine is executable via a motor controller, and includes measuring feedback signals of the machine, including each phase current, and generating reference phase voltages for each phase. The method includes calculating a predetermined voltage value using the feedback signals and reference phase voltages, and comparing the voltage value to a corresponding threshold to determine the fault. A control action is executed when the voltage value exceeds the corresponding threshold. The voltage value is one or more of: a ratio of a normalized negative sequence voltage to a modulation index, an RMS voltage for each phase, and total harmonic distortion of each phase current. An apparatus detects the fault, and includes a motor controller and an algorithm as set forth above. The apparatus may include a voltage inverter for generating a multi-phase alternating current output for powering the machine. | 08-04-2011 |
20110202211 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OF VEHICLES - Methods and systems are provided for controlling an electrical system of a vehicle. Sensors are used to obtain first data for a first path of calculations and second data for a second path of calculations. The first path comprises a first plurality of calculations of generating a value of a parameter pertaining to the electrical system, and the second path comprises a second plurality of calculations of monitoring the electrical system with respect to the first path. A processor is coupled to the plurality of sensors, and is configured to determine whether a data frozen flag is active, perform the first plurality of calculations of the first path using the first data if the first data flag is inactive, and perform the second plurality of calculations of the second path if the first data flag is active. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202226 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an electrical system of a vehicle. Data pertaining to the electrical system is obtained. Calculation modules are performed using the data to generate intermediate determinations. An aggregate calculation module is performed using each of the intermediate determinations to generate an aggregate determination pertaining to the electrical system. Redundant intermediate calculations are performed using the data to generate redundant intermediate determinations. Each of the redundant intermediate determinations is used for comparison with a respective intermediate determination. | 08-18-2011 |
20110221367 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR OVERMODULATION OF A FIVE-PHASE MACHINE - Methods, system and apparatus are provided for overmodulation of a five-phase machine in a vector controlled motor drive system that includes a five-phase PWM controlled inverter module that drives the five-phase machine. Techniques for overmodulating a reference voltage vector are provided to optimize voltage command signals that control a five-phase inverter module to increase output voltages generated by the five-phase inverter module. | 09-15-2011 |
20110231040 | USE OF DISCONTINUOUS PULSE WIDTH MODULATION FOR AN INVERTER COUPLED TO AN ELECTRIC MOTOR FOR A VEHICLE - A method for controlling an inverter coupled to an electric motor for a vehicle includes generating a discontinuous PWM signal for the inverter when a torque of the electric motor and a speed of the electric motor are substantially zero, and when at least one predetermined vehicle condition is met. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238245 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for operating an electric motor having a plurality of windings with an inverter having a plurality of switches coupled to a voltage source are provided. A first plurality of switching vectors is applied to the plurality of switches. The first plurality of switching vectors includes a first ratio of first magnitude switching vectors to second magnitude switching vectors. A direct current (DC) current associated with the voltage source is monitored during the applying of the first plurality of switching vectors to the plurality of switches. A second ratio of the first magnitude switching vectors to the second magnitude switching vectors is selected based on the monitoring of the DC current associated with the voltage source. A second plurality of switching vectors is applied to the plurality of switches. The second plurality of switching vectors includes the second ratio of the first magnitude switching vectors to the second magnitude switching vectors. | 09-29-2011 |
20110309777 | VEHICULAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN INVERTER DURING MOTOR DECELERATION - Methods and systems for operating an inverter having a plurality of high switches and a plurality of low switches coupled to an electric motor are provided. An event indicative of deceleration of the electric motor is detected. The inverter is alternated between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the deceleration of the electric motor. In the first mode of operation, each of the plurality of high switches is activated and each of the plurality of low switches is deactivated or each of the plurality of low switches is activated and each of the plurality of high switches is deactivated. In the second mode of operation, each of the plurality of high switches is deactivated and each of the plurality of low switches is deactivated. | 12-22-2011 |
20110309779 | VEHICULAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN INVERTER DURING MOTOR DECELERATION - Methods and systems for operating an inverter coupled to an electric motor are provided. The inverter has a plurality of high switches and a plurality of low switches coupled to the electric motor. An event indicative of deceleration of the electric motor is detected. The inverter is alternated between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation during the deceleration of the electric motor. In the first mode of operation, each of the plurality of high switches is activated and each of the plurality of low switches is deactivated. In the second mode of operation, each of the plurality of low switches is activated and each of the plurality of high switches is deactivated. | 12-22-2011 |
20120112674 | CONTROL OF A TRACTION POWER INVERTER MODULE IN A VEHICLE HAVING AN ELECTRIC TRACTION MOTOR - A method for controlling a traction power inverter module (TPIM) in a vehicle includes determining a commanded output torque of the motor using a controller. The method further includes controlling the TPIM and motor using a discontinuous pulse width modulated (DPWM) signal when the commanded output torque is less than a calibrated torque threshold. A continuous pulse width modulated (CPWM) signal is used when the commanded output torque is greater than the threshold. The method may include determining a direction of a change in the commanded output torque, and controlling the TPIM, via the controller, using the DPWM signal only when the commanded output torque drops below a predetermined hysteresis level. A vehicle includes a traction motor producing a motor torque for propelling the vehicle, an ESS, a TPIM, and a controller configured as noted above. | 05-10-2012 |
20120235622 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING CURRENT IN AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring current in an electric motor. An electrical system includes a (DC) interface, an electric motor, an inverter module coupled between the DC interface and the electric motor, a first current sensor between a first phase leg of the inverter module and a first phase of the electric motor to measure a first current flowing through the first phase of the electric motor, a second current sensor between the first phase leg and the DC interface to measure a second current flowing through the first phase leg, and a control module coupled to the first current sensor and the second current sensor. The control module is configured to initiate remedial action based at least in part on a difference between the first current measured by the first current sensor and the second current measured by the second current sensor. | 09-20-2012 |
20130015803 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING POWER LOSS IN AN ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVE SYSTEMAANM ARNETT; MICHAELAACI WIXOMAAST MIAACO USAAGP ARNETT; MICHAEL WIXOM MI USAANM SCHULZ; STEVEN E.AACI TORRANCEAAST CAAACO USAAGP SCHULZ; STEVEN E. TORRANCE CA USAANM BAE; BON HOAACI TORRANCEAAST CAAACO USAAGP BAE; BON HO TORRANCE CA USAANM HITI; SILVAAACI REDONDO BEACHAAST CAAACO USAAGP HITI; SILVA REDONDO BEACH CA USAANM LI; RONGHUIAACI TORRANCEAAST CAAACO USAAGP LI; RONGHUI TORRANCE CA US - Methods, system and apparatus are provided for reducing power loss in an electric motor drive system that includes an electric machine and an inverter module. A controller determines whether a torque command (T | 01-17-2013 |
20130175955 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SENSORLESS CONTROL OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR - Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. An estimated rotor flux angular position error is generated based on estimated back electromotive force (EMF) values, and based on the estimated rotor flux angular position error, an estimated rotor flux angular position, an estimated electrical synchronous frequency and/or an estimated rotor frequency can be generated. | 07-11-2013 |
20130207579 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING ELECTRICAL ANGULAR SPEED OF A PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE - Methods, systems and apparatus are provided for estimating electrical angular speed of a permanent magnet machine based on two-phase stationary reference frame feedback stator current samples, and a dimensionless gain (K) that is computed based on a sampling time (T) and machine parameters. | 08-15-2013 |
20130278182 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING VOLTAGE COMMANDS USED TO CONTROL OPERATION OF A PERMANENT MAGNET MACHINE - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for generating voltage commands used to control operation of a permanent magnet machine. | 10-24-2013 |
20140015468 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING CURRENT AND/OR TORQUE COMMANDS USED TO CONTROL OPERATION OF AN ASYNCHRONOUS MACHINE - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for adjusting current and/or torque commands used to control operation of an asynchronous machine based on rotor flux of the asynchronous machine. | 01-16-2014 |
20140141915 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CONTROLLED NEUTRAL IN LIEU OF A CONVENTIONAL NEUTRAL IN AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION - A powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric machine and an electro-mechanical transmission operative to transmit torque to a driveline. A method for controlling the powertrain system in the presence of a controlled neutral operation of the electro-mechanical transmission being selected includes monitoring vehicle speed, and only when the monitored vehicle speed is indicative of a low-speed zone restricting a transition from a current engine operating state. | 05-22-2014 |
20140354292 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A MULTI-PHASE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON A VEHICLE - An electric machine electrically connects to an inverter via a multi-phase power circuit. A method for monitoring the multi-phase power circuit includes non-intrusively adjusting a commanded AC electric current from the inverter after a prescribed time period and comparing a measured magnitude of AC electric current in the multi-phase power circuit with a minimum threshold. Presence of an open circuit fault in the multi-phase power circuit can be detected based upon the comparison. | 12-04-2014 |
20150015178 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING A SYNCHRONOUS ELECTRIC MACHINE - Controlling a synchronous electric machine includes determining a rotor field current of a wound rotor of the synchronous electric machine and determining a time-rate change in field flux linkage. A rotor field voltage is determined based upon the time-rate change in the field flux linkage, and a rotor field resistance is determined based upon the rotor field voltage and the rotor field current. A rotor temperature is determined based upon the rotor field resistance. Operation of the synchronous electric machine is controlled responsive to a torque command and the rotor temperature. | 01-15-2015 |
20150025720 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FAULT MITIGATION IN A TORQUE MACHINE OF A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A powertrain system includes a torque machine rotatably coupled to an internal combustion engine via a pulley mechanism. The torque machine and the internal combustion engine are configured to transfer torque to a driveline and include a first sensor configured to monitor rotation of the engine and a second sensor configured to monitor rotation of the torque machine. The first sensor signally connects to a controller configured to control operation of the torque machine. A method for operating the powertrain system includes employing a signal output from the first sensor to monitor rotation of the torque machine to control operation thereof, said signal output from the first sensor adjusted for a pulley ratio of the pulley mechanism upon detecting a fault associated with the second sensor. | 01-22-2015 |
20150061563 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING ROTATIONAL POSITION OF AN ELECTRIC MACHINE - A method for monitoring an electric motor employing a pulse-type rotational position sensor includes monitoring a signal output from the pulse-type rotational position sensor and a reference signal associated with a control signal for the electric motor. A position of a rotor of the electric motor coincident with the reference signal is determined based upon a nominal rotor position, a nominal rotational speed of the rotor and a time between the reference signal and a falling edge of the signal output from the pulse-type rotational position sensor. The electric motor is controlled based upon the position of the rotor. | 03-05-2015 |