Field oriented control of induction motor: A direct analysis using finite element

Field oriented control (FOC) of induction motor (IM) is commonly used in many variable speed drives. Its implementation requires the motor parameters, which are affected by the saturation of the machine. Therefore, a careful estimation of IM parameters is necessary in order to achieve good drive performance. This paper focuses on the finite element analysis of an IM when it is operated with FOC strategy. Using a proper reference frame, synchronous with the rotor flux, magneto-static field solutions can be used in which both the stator and rotor currents are imposed as field source. The proposed strategy allows to consider properly the saturation effects on the machine parameters and hence on the motor performance. The analysis is carried out using the q- and d-axis current which are the components adopted for the FOC control strategy. The comparison with experimental tests confirms the accuracy of the prediction achieved by means of the proposed analysis.