A flying start method for sensorless induction machine-based electric drives

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of a proposed flying start method for sensorless electric drives based on an induction machine. The method introduces two stages. In the first stage, the rotor speed is estimated using the step response of the machine, which enables coarse estimation of the speed and direction of rotation, helping to reduce the initial slip. The second stage introduces an intermediate control system to facilitate the machine restart and assist the speed observer in converging. Simulation and experimental studies demonstrate that the method successfully restarts the machine with an unknown initial rotor speed without exceeding the nominal current. The auxiliary control system fully excites a 5.5 kW machine within 300 ms during the flying start, after which it is possible to transition to the target control system.