31

Table 1.3. Features of various motor types in motion control applications

Brushed DC motor BLDC motor PMSM IM
Benefits •Good •High power •Smooth torque •Excellent
controllability density and possible dynamics with
•Linear torque- torque-to-inertia •High efficiency proper control
current curve ratio •High •High speed
•Low torque ripple •Good heat torque/volume operation
dissipationÆgood •High pull-out possible
overloading torque possible •Low price
capability •Good heat and simple
dissipationÆgood construction
overloading •Durable
capability •Several
suppliers
available

Drawbacks •Low reliability •Expensive •Expensive •Complicated

•Requires •Torque ripple •Danger of control
maintenance •Danger of demagnetization •Always
•Low overloading demagnetization of the magnets lagging power
capability of the magnets •Poor field factor
•Low heat •Poor field weakening •Low
dissipation weakening efficiency
with lighter
loads

1.3 Outline of the thesis

The main objective of this thesis is to study the suitability and the characteristics of an induction
motor in dynamically demanding drives, often referred to as servo drives. Induction machine
properties in dynamic applications are compared to permanent magnet synchronous machines.
Typically, a surface magnet PMSM is selected instead of an IM because of its good overloading
capability and higher torque-per-volume and torque-to-current ratio, which lead to a compact
construction and a smaller inverter. The thesis addresses methods by which the dynamic
performance of an induction motor can be improved with design and dimensioning aspects. Also
the parasitic effects due to the performance optimization techniques, such as an increased torque
ripple, a low efficiency, and a poor power factor are studied. Countermeasures to overcome these
problems are introduced. It will be shown that with a proper design and an adequate flux level
control strategy, the performance characteristics of an induction motor can be significantly
enhanced. Analytical (Matlab/Simulink®) and numerical (Flux2D®) methods are applied in the
theoretical analysis. The theoretical results are verified with a newly designed six-pole copper-
cage induction motor in the laboratory.

The thesis is divided into five chapters. The theoretical background, the goals, and the motivation
for this work are introduced in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, the basic dimensioning of the PMSM and