Flux-Weakening Regime Operation of an Interior Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive

The interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous motor is compatible with extended-speed-range constant-power operation by means of flux-weakening control. Flux weakening uses stator current components to counter the fixed-amplitude magnetic airgap flux generated by the rotor magnets, performing a role similar to field weakening in a separately excited dc motor. The nature of current regulator saturation caused by the finite inverter dc source voltage is described, marked by premature torque and power degradation at high speeds in the absence of flux-weakening control. This is followed by presentation of a new flux-weakening control algorithm developed as a modification of an established feedforward IPM torque control algorithm described previously in the literature. Attractive features of this new algorithm include smooth drive transitions into and out of the flux-weakening mode, fast response, as well as automatic adjustment to changes in the dc source voltage. Simulation and empirical test results from a 3-hp laboratory IPM motor drive are used to confirm the constant-power operating envelope achieved using the new flux-weakening control algorithm.