SPMSMs Sensorless Torque Estimation Using High-Frequency Signal Injection

Torque measurement/estimation in surface permanent magnet synchronous machines (SPMSMs) is needed in many applications. Torque measurement systems are expensive, require extra room, add weight, can introduce resonances into the system, and their performance can be compromised due to electromagnetic interference. Alternatively, torque can be estimated, accurate knowledge of machine parameters being critical in this case. Injection of a high-frequency (HF) signal in the stator via an inverter has been shown to be a viable option for online identification of machine parameters identification required by torque estimation methods for interior PMSMs. However, the reported methods require the use of two pulsating HF currents, which introduces concerns both on the adverse effects on machine's performance (additional noise, vibration, losses, etc.) as well as to the additional computational burden, as HF current controllers are required. This article proposes a torque estimation method for SPMSMs using a single HF signal; furthermore, a HF voltage signal can be used, avoiding the use of HF current controllers, and therefore simplifying the implementation.