Position sensorless control of transverse-laminated synchronous reluctance motors

The sensorless control of the transverse-laminated synchronous reluctance motor is introduced, pointing-out the negative effect of cross-saturation. Then, an observer-based sensorless control scheme is proposed, which solves for this problem. Thus, a very good robustness against load variations is achieved. Moreover, the working speed is extended from zero to maximum speed, including the flux-weakening feature. This is obtained by a combine method of rotor position estimation, making use of both e.m.f.-based estimation and signal injection, without any need of additional voltage. A prototype drive has been assembled, making use of a commercial motor, and the obtained experimental results are given. A dynamic performance is achieved which is near to that of a sensored control, in the whole speed range. Moreover, position-sensorless position control is feasible.