Position estimation with voltage pulse test signals for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines using Matrix Converters

This paper deals with the rotor angle estimation of permanent magnet AC machines using test voltage vectors. In concrete, due to the machine saliency (difference between Ld and Lq) and the application of pulse voltage test vectors is possible to estimate the permanent magnet position for further low and zero speed sensorless control. The novelty of this paper is the fact that a matrix converter is used instead of the conventional voltage source inverter. The direct AC/AC or matrix converter is a novel topology of great interest in specific wind energy applications since it avoids the use of electrolytic DC coupling capacitors, which is a potential source of failures. The paper presents the position signals for matrix converters and shows all the control algorithm. Finally, some simulation results with proper angle estimation, when speed reversal, corroborates the proper functionality of the control scheme.