A simplified characterization method including saturation effects for permanent magnet Machines

This paper presents a simplified experimental method to accurately estimate the parameters of a permanent magnet synchronous machine. It accounts for the self and cross saturation effects over the entire operation range of the machine. Experimentally, the procedure is performed only using the components typically used in a traction drive system, such as current sensors, a position encoder, a DC link voltage sensor and a digital signal processor. AC voltage sensors, analog filtering hardware and additional measuring equipment are not required. With fewer components, the method is suitable for machine commissioning in the field. Therefore, the process of characterization is no longer confined to a laboratory environment. The method was experimentally verified using a 10-kW SmCo and a 125-kW NdFeB interior permanent magnet machine.