Reevaluating the Role of Single-Vector FCS-MPC for Multiphase Electric Drives

Abstract

Thanks to the researchand development efforts, multiphase electric drives can be considered a reality for industrial applications, especially when high-performance requirements are mandatory. However, there are still various issues to address in order to fully exploit all the multiphase advantages. For example, the usage of high sampling frequencies can modify the control action effect and, consequently, the selection criterion of direct regulation schemes can become questionable. Focusing on this fact, this work proposes a data analysis to identify undesirable switching patterns of model predictive control (MPC) when the control period is reduced. Based on the conclusions drawn from the mentioned analysis, a new cost function is designed to avoid the application of these suboptimal voltage sequences. This control solution simultaneously enhances signal quality and reduces switching losses. A series of experimental results using different six-phase machines has been obtained to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.