Sensorless speed control of PMSM via adaptive interconnected observer

In this article, a robust sensorless speed observer–controller scheme for a surface permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is proposed. First-of-all, following preliminary results in the framework of the induction motor that is less sensible to the position estimation error, an adaptive high gain interconnected observer is designed. It is only supplied by the electrical measurement: the motor currents and voltages. This observer estimates the rotor speed and position, the stator resistance and the load torque. A nonlinear backstepping controller is developed. The above observer is associated with this controller and the complete scheme practical stability proof is given. The overall system is tested by simulation in the framework of an industrial benchmark with a trajectory that particularly checks the motor unobservability condition. Some robustness tests have been carried out. The controller–observer scheme shows good performances in spite of the uncertainties and the unknown load torque.