Closed-Loop Magnetization State Control for a Variable-Flux Memory Machine

Abstract

Variable flux memory machines (VFMM) use magnetization and demagnetization manipulations to adjust machine voltage, achieving wide-speed high-efficiency operation. The machine magnetization state manipulation is a critical concern in the VFMM control. Thus, this paper proposes an on-line magnetization state estimation and closed-loop control using the magnetization manipulation signals. The magnetization state manipulation requires voltage injection to create the manipulation current. The current shows non-linear response at different magnetization state because the current changes the magnets state and the machine saturation level. The flux change rate, which is calculated by the injected voltage and the current response, is affected by the non-linearity and utilized in the proposed method for the magnetization state estimation. The proposed magnetization state estimation achieves self-sensing characteristic because the signals in the estimation already exist in the magnetization state manipulation. Based on the estimated and the target magnetization state, the closed-loop magnetization state control is achieved by the voltage injection regulation.