Finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) is a promising method for the control of multi-phase machines, due to its capability to directly account for nonlinearities and multiple controlled variables. To overcome the drawback of high current ripples and excitation of harmonic currents in the so-called xy-subsystem, several methods have been proposed in the literature so far. This paper proposes an MPC-based method that achieves high granularity of switching by not only switching at the discrete time steps, but also within the sampling interval. In doing so, the discussed algorithm, referred to as variable switching point current control (VSP 2 CC), produces low current distortions, while still keeping the advantages of conventional FCS-MPC, such as fast dynamic behavior during transients. To highlight the above, VSP 2 CC is applied to a six-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) and compared with conventional FCS-MPC and MPC that employs virtual voltage vectors (VV-MPC).
In this paper, a flux linkage-based direct model predictive current control approach is presented for small permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives. The method aims to minimize the current ripples at steady state by deciding on the optimal switching instant, while exhibiting fast dynamic behavior during transients. To this end, the future trajectory of the stator current is not computed based on the machine inductances or inductance look-up tables, but on the changes of the magnetic flux linkage by utilizing flux linkage maps. As shown, the proposed method can be particularly advantageous for electric drives with a noticeable nonlinearity in terms of saturation and/or cross-coupling effects since it allows for a significantly increased prediction accuracy, which leads to an improved steady-state performance as indicated by the reduced current distortions.
This article presents a flux linkage-based direct model predictive current control approach that achieves favorable performance both during steady-state and transient operation. The former is achieved by computing the optimal time instants at which a new switch position is applied to the converter. To this end, the future current behavior is not computed based on the machine inductances or inductance look-up tables; instead, flux linkage maps are utilized to predict the trajectory of the magnetic flux linkage, and subsequently of the current. This is advantageous for electric drives with noticeable magnetic nonlinearity in terms of saturation and/or cross-coupling effects. Hence, by using flux linkage maps in the prediction process, the evolution of the stator current can be calculated more accurately, enabling the controller to make better switching decisions. Moreover, the discussed predictive controller exhibits excellent dynamic performance owing to its direct control nature, i.e., the control and modulation tasks are performed in one computational stage rendering a dedicated modulation stage redundant. Three different drive systems based on permanent magnet synchronous motors are examined to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control approach.