Control of permanent magnet synchronous machine wheel drive for low-floor tram

This contribution introduces proposed control of a wheel drive with permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) intended for a new generation of 100-percent low-floor trams. The proposed control is based on a field oriented control linked to a rotor flux. The control strategy consists of two control algorithms which are changed based on the rotor speed. The proposed control fully satisfies demanded drive dynamics and makes possible powerful load angle limitation of PMSM in field weakening. A proper function of designed control is verified by simulation results of tram drive prototype and by experiments made on both designed laboratory prototype of rated power of 10.7 kW and recently developed tram SKODA ForCity which employs investigated wheel drives. Furthermore, this paper discusses essential experience from tests of proposed drive control on the new tram SKODA ForCity.