Speed sensorless control for a six-phase induction machine based on a sliding mode observer

Abstract

This paper presents the application of a sliding mode observer for speed sensorless control of a six-phase induction machine. The use of nonlinear sliding mode techniques yields acceptable performance for both low- and high-speed motor operations over a wide speed range. The effectiveness and accuracy of the developed sensorless scheme are verified by experimental results, which demonstrate the system’s performance under various operating conditions. These results demonstrate the advantages of the proposal as a valid alternative to the conventional method, which uses a mechanical speed sensor for multiphase machines. Additionally, the sensorless approach can also serve as a redundant backup in the event of mechanical sensor failure, thereby increasing the reliability of the overall drive system.