Variable Switching Point Predictive Torque Control of Induction Machines

This paper introduces an approach to include a variable switching time point into predictive torque control (PTC). In PTC, the switching frequency is limited by the sampling frequency; its theoretical maximum value is half the sampling frequency. However, in reality the switching frequency is lower than this value, and thus, high current and torque ripples occur compared with modulator-based control methods. In order to overcome this, an optimization problem is formulated and solved in real time. Thereby, apart from the regulation of the torque and the flux magnitude to their references, an additional control objective should be met: the minimization of the torque ripple. To do so, the time point at which the switches of the inverter should change state is calculated. Further advantages of the proposed method include the design flexibility and great performance during transients. Experimental results that verify the performance of the presented control strategy are included.