Free-run Startup Techniques for Sensorless Drive Systems of Permanent Magnet Machine with Phase Current or DC-bus Current Detection

Abstract

Starting methods for the inverter that drives a permanent magnet machine with only current sensors, while the rotor is rotating, (“free-run startup techniques") are proposed. The proposed methods are based on whether current flows or does not when one switch of the inverter is turned on, which depends on the electrical angle of the emf and the reverse blocking function of the freewheeling diodes. The merit of the proposed methods is that the calculation to determine the rotor position is simple. The variety of the methods is with the types of current detection. Proposed are the methods not only for the phase current detection but also for the DC-bus line current detection that are utilized in low-cost drive systems. Theoretical analysis, design issues, and experimental verifications of the proposed methods are set forth.