System and method for current estimation for operation of electric motors

A method, comprising:

• sensing an electric motor during operation to provide measured motor current, motor temperature and motor speed;
• providing a current compensation signal based upon the measured motor current, motor temperature and motor speed;
• adjusting a current command signal to provide an adjusted current command signal;
• processing the adjusted current command signal in a closed-loop current control system to control the operation of the electric motor.

A vehicle, comprising:

• an electric motor;
• sensors coupled to the electric motor for sensing at least motor current, motor temperature and motor speed;
• a vehicle controller coupled to the sensors and including a closed-loop current control system for the electric motor;
• a current compensation circuit within the closed-loop current control system for providing a current compensation signal to adjust a current command for the electric motor, the current compensation circuit comprising:
• a short-circuit current calculator for providing a short-circuit current value based upon the motor temperature and the motor speed;
• a compensation gain calculator for providing a gain compensation value based upon the motor speed;
• and
• circuitry for combining the motor current, the short-circuit current value and the gain compensation value to provide the current compensation signal.