Rotor Position Detection of CPPM Belt Starter Generator with Trapezoidal Back EMF using Six Hall Sensors

Abstract

Six-step commutation control widely used in brushless DC (BLDC) motor can be applied to consequent pole permanent magnet (CPPM) belt starter generator (BSG) with trapezoidal back electromotive force (EMF) in the starter state. However, rotor position detection with three Hall sensors in BLDC motor can hardly be employed in CPPM BSG due to asymmetric flux distribution in each pole side of CPPM BSG. This paper presents a low-cost rotor position detection method for CPPM BSG in which six Hall sensors are proposed to be used based on the analysis of flux distribution by 3D FEA. In the method, the six Hall sensors are divided into three groups and two signals in each group are combined through performing logic operations. In addition, offset angle between back EMF and the related Hall signal can be compensated by moving the Hall sensors. Experiments of a 2 kW CPPM BSG prototype have also been performed to verify the proposed method.