Dual-mode operation of in-wheel brushless DC motor driver for micro all-electric vehicle

Abstract

Research and developments of in-wheel motors applied in micro all-electric vehicles have attracted great attention recently. The brushless DC (BLDC) motors have been widely used for these vehicles. A dual-mode operation of in-wheel Brushless DC motor driver for micro all-electric vehicle with position sensor mode or sensorless mode was proposed. The driver worked with position sensor mode under normal condition, but it would switch to the sensorless mode automatically once the position sensor was broken down or the signal wire got disconnected. The sensorless mode can be used as a backup mode in the driver. A dual-mode operation of BLDC motors for micro all-electric vehicle will enhance the reliability of the driver. Experimental results are given to verify the validity.