3ph High Efficiency Induction Motors with IFOC Applied to a Wheelchair by Joystick

Most of the wheelchair's drive systems uses direct-current (DC) motors as propulsion. However, such motors have several drawbacks aspects, as higher cost and maintenance, resulting in its gradual disuse. An option already consolidated in the industrial area is the high efficiency squirrel-cage induction motor, which has high energy efficiency and low maintenance, compared to DC motors. The use of induction motors applied to wheelchair tend to increase with the advancement of microelectronics and power electronics. This paper presents a relevant proposal in drive and control of power wheelchairs through three-phase induction with vector control. The system's power supply comes from batteries, which are suitable for the static converter. A digital signal controller (DSC) performs the reading joystick and vector control of three-phase induction motor. Experimental results with wheelchair developed denote viability and functionality for paraplegic patients.