Experimental Evaluation of Position Sensorless Control on Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications

In this paper, the feasibility of applying a position sensorless control technique to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is practically evaluated. The proposed position estimator has a straightforward structure with properties that combines the model and the saliency tracking-based rotor position estimation for interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSMs). The proposed method can be used in the event of sensor loss or sensor recovery to sustain continuity of operations. The developed system takes into account the estimated position transition between two distinct sensorless methods. The transition is enhanced by introducing a synchronized transition algorithm based on a single tracking observer. Extensive experimental results are presented to verify the principles and show a reliable estimation performance over the entire speed range including standstill under 150% load conditions.