Torque estimator for switched reluctance machines
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorStephen R. MacMinn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for estimating torque generated by a switched reluctance machine utilizes a ROM table look-up scheme to generate a torque estimate based upon phase current and rotor position information. Each ROM address is accessed by digitizing and then combining sensed phase current and rotor position signals. Knowledge of the instantaneous torque output enables closed-loop torque control including appropriate adjustments of phase currents to reduce or eliminate torque pulsations.
Claims10
Apparatus for estimating electromagnetic torque output of a switched reluctance machine having at least one phase, comprising:
- rotor position sensor means for sensing the instantaneous position of said rotor and generating a rotor position signal representative thereof;
- current sensor means for sensing the instantaneous phase current in each respective phase of said switched reluctance motor and generating a phase current signal representative thereof;
- torque look-up table means responsive to said rotor position signal and each said phase current signal for generating a phase torque signal corresponding thereto;
- and
- means for combining each said phase torque signals to produce a total torque signal.
A method for estimating electromagnetic torque output of a switched reluctance machine, comprising the steps of:
- sensing the instantaneous position of said rotor and generating a rotor position signal representative thereof;
- sensing the instantaneous phase current in each respective phase of said switched reluctance motor and generating a phase current signal representative thereof;
- providing a look-up table means for storing torque versus rotor position and current data for said switched reluctance motor;
- generating a phase torque signal from said look-up table means for each respective phase corresponding to said rotor position signal and said phase current signal;
- and
- combining said phase torque signals to produce a total torque signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.