Application Trends of Sensorless AC Motor Drives in Europe

Abstract

This paper describes application trends of sensorless AC motor drives in Europe, where strict standards on energy saving are in effect. To meet their standards, each producer of AC motor drives in Europe has own strategy with specific machine design and control techniques. Generally, variable torque applications such as fans, pumps and compressors account for approximately 70% of the European market. These applications employ position and speed sensorless drives because of the advantages of reduced cost and volume, and increased reliability due to the elimination of the position sensor and related cabling connections. In this paper, first the market trends of AC motor drives in Europe are described. Second, the market penetration of sensorless AC motor drives is briefly discussed. Finally, some real-life applications are introduced.