Novel sensorless six-step commutation strategy for a surface permanent magnet synchronous motor with DC link measurement

The present paper introduces a novel six-step commutation strategy for sensorless control applied for a surface permanent magnet synchronous motor that implies only dc link measurement (battery current and battery voltage). The control strategy makes use of a modified I-f starting procedure and then switches seamlessly to sensorless speed control. Soft-switching for the six-step commutation pattern is considered. It will be shown that the current absorbed from the battery contains consistent information that can be used to determine the commutation points; the detection of the zero-crossing of the back-emf are obtained from an observer that uses both current and battery voltage. The case study is represented by a surface permanent magnet synchronous motor prototype (6 /8 configuration), designed for the automotive air conditioning compressor drive.