Sensorless Model Predictive Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Using an Unscented Kalman Filter

This paper deals with the application of the Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithm to the sensorless control of a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). The proposed estimation strategy, based on the unscented Kalman filter (UKF), uses only the measurement of the motor current for the online estimation of speed, rotor position and load torque. Information about the system state is fed into the MPC algorithm. The results verify the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed sensorless control technique. To demonstrate its real-world applicability, implementation in low-speed direct drive astronomy telescope mount systems is investigated. The outcomes of the implementation are thoroughly examined, leading to insightful conclusions drawn from the observed results. Through rigorous theoretical analysis and extensive simulation studies, this paper establishes a solid foundation for the proposed sensorless control technique. The results obtained from simulation studies and real-world applications underscore the efficacy and versatility of the proposed approach, offering valuable insights for the advancement of sensorless control strategies in motor applications. The main aim of this work is to demonstrate and validate the practical feasibility of combining two complex techniques, establishing that such an integration is not only possible but also effective in achieving the desired objectives.