A performance comparison of three common PWM switching current control strategies

Presently work exists within the IEEE to develop a test standard for Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) machines that includes a specification on the quality of current supplied to the machine. The research presented in this paper offers a comparison on the quality of current provided to the machine for three control strategies; Space Vector, PI and Bang-Bang. The tests conducted were of an “on the fly” nature by which the switching strategy implemented can itself be alternated. This allows for a direct performance comparison of the controllers under identical operating conditions; such a comparison has not previously been made available. The results of the research bear significant relevance to the work of IEEE; particularly with regards to the development of standards related to the quality of excitation for machines. The results show how each current control strategy affects important performance criteria such as the maximum torque-to-current ratio and the machine efficiency.