This paper proposes a new sensorless control strategy based on a Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) for a non-sinusoidal sevenphase PMSMs. This strategy, based on all harmonics contained in the back-EMF, is compared to the classical sensorless control strategy using only the fundamental of back-EMF signal. As the novel sensorless control strategy estimate the rotor position by using different harmonics, it can lead to a good torque response compared to the classical strategy, specially in transient states. Therefore, in order to define the appropriate sensorless control strategy for the non-sinusoidal seven-phase PMSM, each sensorless control strategy will be highlighted in terms of robustness to the speed variation and torque ripple. Simulation results will be shown to verify the feasibility of the proposed methods.

This two-part study proposes a new sensorless control strategy for non-sinusoidal multiphase permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs), especially integrated motor drives (IMDs). Based on the Sliding Mode Observer (SMO), the proposed sensorless control strategy uses the signals (currents and voltages) of all fictitious machines of the multiphase PMSMs. It can estimate the high-accuracy rotor positions that are required in vector control. This proposed strategy is compared to the conventional sensorless control strategy that applies only current and voltage signals of the main fictitious machine, including the fundamental component of back electromotive force (back EMF) of non-sinusoidal multiphase PMSMs. Therefore, in order to choose an appropriate sensorless control strategy for the non-sinusoidal multiphase PMSMs, these two sensorless control strategies will be highlighted in terms of precision with respect to rotor position and speed estimation. Simulations and the experimental results obtained with a non-sinusoidal seven-phase PMSM will be shown to verify and compare the two sensorless control strategies. In this part of the study (part I), only sensorless control in the medium and high-speed range is considered. Sensorless control at the zero and low-speed range will be treated in the second part of this study (part II).

This paper proposes a sensorless control strategy based on Sliding Mode Observer (SMO) for a Five-phase Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (FIPMSM), with a consideration of the third harmonic component. Compared to conventional three-phase machines, the third harmonic of back electromotive force (back-EMF) contains more information. Thus, in this paper, the first and third harmonic components of the five-phase machine are considered to estimate the rotor position which is necessary for the vector control. Simulation results are shown to verify the feasibility and the robustness of the proposed sensorless control strategy.