Method for determining a stator current vector for starting a synchronous machine of a drive of a passenger transportation apparatus

A drive for a passenger transportation apparatus with a synchronous machine, the drive comprising:

• a rotor;
• a stator with a stator winding;
• and
• a control unit configured to impose different stator current vectors with different stator current vector directions on the stator winding over a course of a plurality of current application operations, determine from the different stator current vectors a minimum stator current vector with a minimum stator current vector direction at which a minimum driving torque acting on the rotor is generated in the synchronous machine, determine from the minimum stator current vector a starting stator current vector with a starting stator current vector direction, and impose the starting stator current vector on the stator winding for starting the synchronous machine.

A passenger transportation apparatus configured as an escalator, a travelator, or an elevator system with a cabin that travels in an elevator shaft, the passenger transportation apparatus comprising a drive that comprises:

• a rotor;
• a stator with a stator winding;
• and
• a control unit configured to impose different stator current vectors with different stator current vector directions on the stator winding over a course of a plurality of current application operations, determine from the different stator current vectors a minimum stator current vector with a minimum stator current vector direction at which a minimum driving torque acting on the rotor is generated in the synchronous machine, determine from the minimum stator current vector a starting stator current vector with a starting stator current vector direction, and impose the starting stator current vector on the stator winding for starting the synchronous machine.