In this paper, an adaptive sliding mode observer (ASMO) based rotor position sensorless brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive with energy regeneration for light electric vehicle (LEV) is designed. A canonical switching cell (CSC) converter is introduced for optimized MPPT performance and soft starting of the motor is assured during sensorless start-up. The CSC converter provides ripple free current in the output to the voltage source inverter (VSI) and minimizes the losses. It also acts as a fundamental building block for a DC-DC converter with the least element counts. For position sensorless commutation of BLDC motor drive, ASMO technique with self-correction ability of commutation error is used. Estimation of rotor angular position and continuous speed tracking for closed loop control are achieved using this method. This control is robust and derived from linear model of BLDC motor. Proper stability analysis of the observer is derived and ensured using pole placement method. Optimal gain scheduling technique is used in ASMO, which reduces the order of the error function making the computation easier. This model is truly adaptive to any parameter variation and load perturbation. To ensure green mobility, a pulse-width modulated regenerative braking algorithm is also integrated using the same VSI, which avoids any additional converter. Experimental results validate this method as effective for EV applications

This paper proposes a novel drivetrain design of a solar-powered e-rickshaw with the controller. Hall-Effect position sensorless BLDC motor drive often suffers from delayed commutation at high speed and even at low-speed, conventional control doesn't work well due to low magnitude of backEMF. Here, proposed sensorless control with commutation error compensation is implemented, which drives the motor over the entire range. A simple commutation error compensation algorithm is designed to detect the freewheeling pulses, reducing the control complexity for low-cost EV application and eliminating LPF requirement. Moreover, a zero-crossing detection (ZCD) algorithm is suggested, which inherently compensates the delay and removes the need of any additional phase compensator. A fixed delay digital filter is used to eliminate any unwanted spikes in ZCD circuit. For effective MPPT control, modified landsman converter is used, which provides ripple free current at output and reduces the requirement of ripple filter at front end. The BLDC motor drive is capable of energy regeneration, which reduces the range anxiety for EV. The solar energy and the battery ensure that the vehicle never runs out of power irrespective of the climate conditions. The average distance covered by the vehicle on a single charge is improved.

This article presents a method for driving permanent magnet brushless dc (PMBLDC) motor in light electric vehicles that eliminates a need for position sensors. The method prioritizes torque control and employs sector-based predefined voltage vectors for switching in a constant torque mode, surpassing traditional 120° square-wave control. This technique reduces torque ripple by selecting appropriate switching vectors based on rotor position estimation and torque dynamics, elevating drive performance. Stator flux information is utilized to obtain rotor angular positions, resulting in position sensorless drive for variable speed. To address brushless DC (BLDC) motors with high current harmonics affecting commutation process and causing current and torque ripple, a modified flux observer incorporating an adaptive frequency synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop is employed for position estimation. This method filters current harmonics without introducing phase delay, with filter cutoff frequency being variable and adaptive to speed changes, facilitating sensorless operation over a broad speed range suitable for electric vehicle (EV) applications. The controller is streamlined by maintaining constant stator flux while concentrating solely on torque, resulting in a simple and fast process. This approach ensures that stator flux linkage amplitude closely resembles a sinusoid, contributing to more accurate position estimation. Control strategy effectively minimizes low-frequency oscillations in torque, presenting a distinct advantage for EV drive. The viability of proposed concept is substantiated through detailed experimental validation.

The regenerative braking of electric vehicles (EVs), extends their driving range making a strong footprint towards green mobility and green energy solutions. This work deals with the simple and effective method of regenerative braking in a solar-PV (Photovoltaic)-battery fed E-rickshaw driven by a sensorless permanent magnet brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. Based on this method, the need for an additional converter to control the reverse power flow during regenerative braking is eliminated. The sole control is taken care by voltage source inverter (VSI) with appropriate switching sequences during motoring and braking modes. The energy recovered from the BLDC motor during electric braking transferred into the battery and thus extending the range of the vehicle and minimizes the loss. To make this system cost-effective and robust, the back emf sensing based position sensorless BLDC drive is implemented. The solar-PV array mounted on the top of E-rickshaw with the boost converter, provides a smooth and continuous operation regardless of the climate conditions. The battery has a direct connection to the DC link of the VSI thus eliminating additional DC-DC converter compared to the existing conventional systems. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control of solar-PV array is achieved by a boost converter. The system under study becomes extremely cost-effective and simple to control and implement in practical scenario. The feasibility of the system is studied and analyzed in detail.

This paper deals with development of a light duty electric vehicle (LDEV) drive train that utilizes a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and a battery in conjunction with a position sensorless brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. This design is tailored to meet requirements of Indian drive cycle. This method is well-suited for a broad range of speeds and enables optimal torque and current control. Rotor position estimation based on orthogonal flux components, is improved by utilizing a modified synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (SRF-PLL), significantly mitigating commutation torque ripples. Enhanced disturbance rejection capability in phase-locked loops (PLLs) is achieved through implementation of diverse filtering techniques. Consequently, synchronous reference frame filter (SRF)-PLL is augmented with an in-loop filter known as delay-signal compensated (DSC) operator. Dynamic performance is improved with a reduction in current ripple. Furthermore, this system integrates regenerative braking by altering gate pulses to voltage source inverter (VSI) without requiring supplementary external configuration. Incorporating solar PV energy and regenerative braking mechanisms within drive structure enhances efficiency of EV propulsion and increases driving range. Single-stage implementation of MPPT control omits a need for an additional DC-DC converter, thereby reducing overall cost of system. Developed system is underwent validation through an experimental setup and is subjected to detailed analysis to determine its suitability under practical conditions.

This work presents a sensorless brushless DC motor (BLDCM) drive control, optimized for solar photovoltaic (PV)- and battery-fed light electric vehicles (LEVs). A back-electromotive force (EMF) observer integrated with an enhanced quadrature-phase-locked-loop (QPLL) structure is proposed for accurate rotor position estimation, addressing limitations of existing control methods at low speeds and under dynamic conditions. The study replaces the conventional arc-tangent technique with a QPLL-based approach, eliminating low-pass filters to enhance system adaptability and reduce delays. The experimental results demonstrate a significant reduction in commutation error, with a nearly flat value at 0 degrees during steady-state and less than 8 degrees under dynamic conditions. Furthermore, the performance of a modified single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in solar-powered LEVs is verified, minimizing current ripple and ensuring smooth motor operation. The system also incorporates a regenerative braking mechanism, extending the vehicle’s range by efficiently recovering kinetic energy through the battery with 30.60% efficiency. The improved performance of the proposed method and system over conventional approaches contributes to the advancement of efficient and sustainable solar-powered BLDC motor-based EV technologies.