Commutation-Torque-Ripple Minimization in Direct-Torque-Controlled PM Brushless DC Drives

This paper describes an improved implementation of direct torque control (DTC) to a permanent-magnet brushless dc (BLDC) drive. The commutation torque ripple, which occurs every 60deg elec. in a conventional three-phase BLDC machine with two-phase 120deg elec. conduction, is reduced by employing a hybrid two- and three-phase switching mode during the commutation periods. It is based on the criterion of minimizing the error between the commanded torque and the estimated torque and does not require knowledge of the conduction duration of the three-phase switching mode. It adaptively adjusts the phase-current waveform to maintain constant electromagnetic torque so that commutation torque ripple, which would have resulted with conventional DTC, particularly at high rotational speeds, is effectively eliminated, as confirmed by both simulations and measurements.