Flux observer enhanced with low-frequency signal injection allowing sensorless zero-frequency operation of induction motors

In sensorless induction motor drives, flux estimators based only on the standard motor model work well at sufficiently high stator frequencies, but they fail at frequencies close to zero. To solve this problem, a new observer structure is proposed, combining a speed-adaptive full-order flux observer with a low-frequency signal-injection method. An error signal, obtained from the signal-injection method is used as an additional feedback signal in the speed-adaptation law of the observer, resulting in a wide speed range, excellent dynamic properties, and zero-frequency operation capability. The enhanced observer is also robust against parameter errors. Experimental results are shown, including very slow speed reversals and long-term zero-frequency operation under rated load torque, as well as rated load torque steps and fast speed reversals under rated load torque.