Simple and Robust Indirect Thrust Control for Positioning of Linear Induction Motors

Abstract

Dealing with position control of Linear Induction Motors (LIM), most strategies in bibliography are based on Secondary Flux Oriented Control (SFOC) and Direct Thrust Control (DTC). However, SFOC of linear induction motors needs complex identification methods to compensate parameter variation during operation, mainly due to local heating and end-effects. On the other hand, DTC based methods for LIMs present thrust ripple and have problems at low and zero speeds.
In this paper, a new Indirect Thrust Control (ITC) based strategy for position control of linear induction motors that makes up for these drawbacks is presented. The position control loop design methodology and the method for automatic adjustment of compensators are described. Experimental results are presented to evaluate the performance and sensitivity of the control strategy. Finally, some conclusions are drawn about the applicability of the new algorithm that demonstrate the main advantages versus SFOC and DTC.