Switching Pattern-Independent Simulation Model for Brushless DC Motors

Abstract

In order to verify the performance of brushless DC (BLDC) motors, the simulation method has been widely used. The current of a BLDC motors flows on two phase windings to obtain a constant torque. However, the freewheeling current caused by the inductance component of a BLDC motor exists at the commutation point so that the current can flow on three phase windings at the same time. Due to the changes of the excited phases, the model equations are frequently changed during BLDC motor drive operation. The model equations can be also changed by the applied switching pattern since the current path in the inverter circuit changes according to switching pattern. A BLDC motor system can utilize various switching patterns for many different purposes. However, such changes of the model equations complicate the simulation procedure. In this paper, the technique to set up model equations is proposed to ease the simulation of a BLDC motor system through an inverter circuit analysis. The proposed technique will be verified using the C language. Although this method does not provide the level of detail obtainable from commercial simulation tools like PSIM or SIMULINK, it can provide an efficient way to quickly compare various conditions.