FOC and flux weakening for traction drive with permanent magnet synchronous motor

This paper analyses control algorithm for permanent magnet synchronous traction motor (traction PMSM) usable for light rail vehicle. The algorithm is based on field oriented control. The field oriented control and carrier based pulse width modulation allow simply implementation of flux weakening control algorithm. The flux weakening provides wider speed operation of traction drive with PMSM. Simulations and experimental results are given. For experiments we have used a special experimental stand with a prototype of tram traction PMSM. Power of the PMSM is 58 kW. Description of the stand is given in the paper too.