Improved Predictive Current Controller for Variable Flux Memory Machine Drives Considering Magnetization State Manipulating Operations

Variable flux memory machine (VFMM) is recognized as a competitive counterpart to traditional permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) for electrified transportation, due to the advantages in terms of extended speed range and improved global efficiency. Regarding the control aspect of VFMM drives, the most crucial challenge refers to the design of current controller with emphasis on the exclusive magnetization state (MS) manipulation, which is realized via short d-axis current pulse injection. This article proposes an improved finite-control-set model-free predictive current control (FCS-MFPCC) for VFMM drives. In order to ensure simultaneously the dq-axis current tracking performances during MS manipulating processes, a novel hybrid optimization algorithm is proposed. In particular, a sliding mode-based regulation dedicated to the q-axis current is additionally designed in the proposed algorithm, and by doing so, it is guaranteed that the q-axis current is regulated toward its reference. Finally, experiments on a VFMM test rig are conducted to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed FCS-MFPCC method.