Usage of FEM for synthesis of dead-beat current controller for permanent magnet synchronous motor

Purpose Predictive controllers and permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) got more attention over the past decades thanks to their applicable features. This paper aims to propose and verify a method to design a predictive current controller with consideration of motor characteristics obtained from finite element analysis (FEA). Design/methodology/approach Permanent magnet motor parameters and its maps can be calculated by means of FEA. The model takes into account magnetic saturation and thermal electro-magnetic properties. For each dq current vector and each position, self and mutual inductances are calculated. Based on co-energy method and fundamentals of coordinate transformation dynamic and static, dq inductances are obtained. These are used in classical and modified dead-beat current controller equations. Findings To sustain good features of a controller over higher current regions, it is necessary to adapt control law of a dead-beat controller. After its modification, control quality can be superior over classical solution in high saturation regions. The transient simulations of controller and motor give accurate results. Originality/value Common predictive current controllers use nominal motor parameters in their equations. The authors proposed a modified dead-beat current controller to improve the control quality. There is no need to apply self-tuning algorithms, and implementation of the controller is not much more complicated than that of the classical controller. Designer of a control system can obtain required data from motor designer; in design process of modern machines such data are often already available. The proposed methodology increases control quality of the presented dead-beat controller.