This paper analyses symmetrical and unsymmetrical voltage sag effects on the torque and speed deviation in direct torque controlled (DTC) induction motors (IMs) for adjustable speed drives (ASDs). The capability of an ASD for continuous normal operation in case of short supply disturbances is essential for high performance drives. In this paper, an updated scheme is proposed for boosting ASD performances during supply disturbances with voltage reduction. Flux weakening is an effective method to overcome the torque-decreasing problem in case of DC-link voltage diminishing. It is also shown that speed reduction is an efficient procedure to obtain the voltage sag insensitivity of an ASD, which is appropriate for the existing industrial applications. Extensive laboratory testing has been conducted to verify the performances and effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm. The suggested method requires only a modification of converter control software or operating speed change without any additional hardware components. Extended tests under various voltage sags events were carried out on a 1.5 kW laboratory drive, and the obtained results have been compared with an industrial DTC drive.

This paper researches unsymmetrical voltage sag influence on torque ripple in scalar controlled (V/Hz), rotor field oriented (RFO) and direct torque controlled (DTC) drives. Electric drives performance degradation during voltage sag mainly depends on the used control algorithm. Industrial drives with all three types control methods are experimentally tested. Experiments with digital observer's application confirm the proposed solution.