Speed feedback is indispensable not only for closed-loop controlled induction motors (IM) but also for the state monitoring systems of open-loop controlled IMs. Replacing speed sensors with speed estimations has many advantages including, e.g., hardware complexity reduction, sensor cabling elimination, and reduction of IM drive costs. From the various methods for IM speed estimation proposed in the literature, the model reference adaptive system (MRAS)-based speed estimator stands out because of its straightforward synthesis technique and lower computational complexity. On the other hand, this estimator is inherently sensitive to mismatching of IM equivalent circuit parameters. During transients, when the slip frequency cannot be temporarily controlled over the assumed operating point, rotor impedance varies with the slip frequency changes. This phenomenon is even more significant for open-loop controlled high-slip IMs (NEMA design D IMs), which operate under the cycling load like in, e.g., oil well pumps. The rate and the range of rotor impedance variability are related to the rate and the range of the slip frequency changes. Therefore, a speed estimator capable of modelling the slip frequency dependent variability of the rotor impedance may be required, particularly for the state monitoring systems of open-loop controlled IMs. This paper presents an MRAS-based speed estimator developed on the IM space vector model with the rotor impedance variability modelled by the parallel connected branches of the series rotor equivalent resistance and leakage inductance. The experimental test results confirm the precise speed estimation of the tested IMs achieved by the devised MRAS-based speed estimator in the considered slip frequency range and indicate its potential industrial application.

The variability of electromagnetic parameters of induction motors with deep-bar cage or solid rotors is represented, with a satisfactory approximation, by the machine secondary multi-loop equivalent circuit with constant lumped parameters. An estimation procedure of electromagnetic parameters of such an equivalent circuit is presented in the paper. The procedure is carried out using the measured frequency characteristic determined on the basis of instantaneous values of investigated induction motor electromechanical quantities. The study has been subjected to an induction motor with a solid rotor manufactured from the magnetic material, i.e. a machine characterized by a significant skin effect occurring in rotor solid conductive elements.

During torque transients, rotor electromagnetic parameters of an induction motor (IM) vary due to the rotor deep-bar effect. The accurate representation of rotor electromagnetic parameter variability by an adopted IM mathematical model is crucial for a precise estimation of the rotor flux space vector. An imprecise estimation of the rotor flux phase angle leads to incorrect decoupling of electromagnetic torque control and rotor flux amplitude regulation which in turn, causes deterioration in field-oriented control of IM drives. Variability of rotor electromagnetic parameters resulting from the rotor deep-bar effect can be modeled by the IM mathematical model with rotor multi-loop representation. This paper presents a study leading to define the unique rotor flux space vector on the basis of the IM mathematical model with rotor two-terminal network representation. The novel rotor flux estimation scheme was validated with the laboratory test bench employing the IM of type Sg 132S-4 with two variants of rotor construction: a squirrel-cage rotor and a solid rotor manufactured from magnetic material S235JR. The accuracy verification of the rotor flux estimation was performed in a slip frequency range corresponding to the IM load adjustment range up to 1.30 of the stator rated current. This study proved the correct operation of the developed rotor flux estimation scheme and its robustness against electromagnetic parameter variability resulting from the rotor deep-bar effect in the considered slip frequency range.

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to present the methodology of obtaining an approximate equivalent circuit composed of lumped parameters which describes an electromagnetic state of induction machines (IMs) with solid secondary. Higher space harmonic field components are taken into account. The proposed method of machine model constructing is useful for solving electrodynamics states of solid secondary IMs, as well linear machines. Design/methodology/approach – A determination of equivalent circuit parameters of a polyharmonic machine is divided into two steps. In the first step, frequency plots of the spectral inductances are derived – for each of the space harmonic components – from an electromagnetic field distribution calculated by means of the finite element method. In the second step, each of the spectral inductances are represented by the operational inductances which corresponds to the equivalent circuit composed of parallel connected the magnetizing inductance and branches consisting of resistance and inductance connected in series. Findings – The proposed method allows the construction of the approximate equivalent circuit with lumped parameters which enables to solve electrodynamic states of solid secondary IMs, as well linear machines. The machine model has been derived with consideration of the higher space harmonic field components. Research limitations/implications – Saturation effects of a magnetic circuit and an unbalance of phase currents have not been taken into account. Originality/value – The paper shows the method of constructing a machine field-circuit model. Lumped parameters of the model have been derived using frequency characteristics of the stator spectral inductance with consideration of the higher space harmonic field components.

The paper presents the methodology for electromagnetic parameter estimation of the considered equivalent circuits of induction machines, enabling the more effective usage of information obtained as a result of realisation of the measuring procedure “Load curve test” described in the standard PN-EN 60034-28: 2013. An evaluation of adequacy of electromagnetic parameters estimated in accordance with the aforementioned standard and the presented methodology has been performed on the basis of the comparison of impedance frequency characteristics of the tested induction motor derived from measurement with the corresponding characteristics calculated by means of motor mathematical models resulted from the studied equivalent circuits with estimated parameters. Additional verification of correctness of estimated electromagnetic parameters has been realized by confronting the steady-state power factor-speed, stator current-speed and torque-speed characteristics of the tested induction motor determined experimentally and through the machine operation simulations carried out with the use of the considered equivalent circuits.