Condition monitoring and optimal control for high power density PMSM drive

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Project Detail:
Compared with other electric machines, the permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) has superior performance characteristics such as higher power density, higher torque per ampere, higher efficiency and smaller volume. Thus, it is widely employed in various applications ranging from civilian uses such as servo drive, wind power generation, and high speed train, to military uses such as all-electric propulsion, and aerospace/aviation. However, for a high power density application, the PM machine is usually deeply saturated and the increasing iron and copper losses will result in a temperature rise in both stator and rotor, which will result in deterioration of control performance and even system failure. Thus, condition monitoring of PMSM becomes important for both system protection and optimal control. This work will require fundamental research on the observation of PMSM conditions via machine parameter model or/and system identification, and develop new concepts and ideas in order to provide a synthesized solution to those issues in condition monitoring of PMSM. Furthermore, observed conditions will be fed back to the drive controller to achieve optimal system performance.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with industrial partners.

This project will be based in the control systems research group. See: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/meme/research/research-groups/control-systems/ and https://youtu.be/UOb3SoxSQYw?list=PLxI0ud6c7EQLIO4W8tyFSCvgC9Jpwp1Mf

Entry requirements:

Applicants should
• Have a UK/EU first class honour or good upper second class degree in Control Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Aeronautical/Automotive Engineering or a closely allied discipline.
• Have an understanding and experience of control theory, systems control, electric machine, microcontroller, Matlab/Simulink and C code programming.
• Experience of working or researching in drive control or/and finite element analysis of electric machine would be advantageous.
• Meet the minimum English Language requirements
• This is an open call for candidates who are sponsored or who have their own funding. If you do not have funding, you may still apply, however Institutional funding is not guaranteed. Outstanding candidates (UK/EU/International) without funding may be considered for funding opportunities which may become available in the School.

Contact details:
Informal enquires about the research project should be made to Dr. Kan Liu (email: [Email Address Removed], tel: +44 (0) 1509227075) or Prof. Roger Dixon (email: [Email Address Removed], tel: +441509227018).

All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select ‘Electronic and Electrical Engineering’.

Please quote reference number: KLRD260117

Application details:
Reference number: KLRD260117
Preferred Start date (if any): 1 April, 2017 preferred

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr. Kan Liu
Secondary supervisor: Prof. Roger Dixon