In a significant stride towards enhancing ship propulsion technologies, researchers have introduced a novel approach that combines advanced motor design with sensorless control strategies. The study, led by Vahid Teymoori from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, focuses on Dual Three-Phase Permanent Magnet Vernier Motors (DTP-PMVM) for maritime propulsion. Published in the World Electric Vehicle Journal, the research promises to improve the efficiency, reliability, and robustness of ship propulsion systems.
At the heart of this innovation lies the integration of motor design with sensorless control techniques. Teymoori and his team employed finite element method (FEM) analysis to design a 5-MW DTP-PMVM in dual three-phase configurations. The study then presents a novel sensorless control technique using a Prescribed-time Sliding Mode Observer (PTSMO) for accurate speed and position estimation, eliminating the need for physical sensors.
One of the standout features of this research is the observer’s ability to achieve prescribed-time observation, independent of initial estimation guesses and observer gains. This allows for pre-adjustment of the estimation error settling time, a critical factor in real-world maritime applications. The observer was initially designed for a DTP-PMVM with fully known model parameters and then adapted to accommodate variations and unknown parameters over time.
Teymoori explains, “The adaptation laws are innovatively modified to ensure the prescribed time convergence of the entire adaptive observer.” This adaptive observer, combined with a Neural Network (NN) to compensate for nonlinear effects, demonstrates superior speed-tracking accuracy and robustness against model parameter variations.
The implications for the maritime sector are substantial. By integrating these advancements, the research proposes a more efficient, reliable, and robust propulsion motor design. The sensorless control strategy significantly enhances overall system performance, making it particularly suitable for maritime propulsion applications.
Teymoori further elaborates, “MATLAB Simulink simulations strongly support the application of these strategies in real-world maritime propulsion systems.” This validation underscores the potential for commercial impact, offering opportunities for maritime professionals to adopt more advanced and efficient propulsion technologies.
In summary, this research not only advances the field of ship propulsion technologies but also opens up new avenues for commercial applications. The integration of motor design with sensorless control strategies promises to revolutionize maritime propulsion, making it more efficient and reliable. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, such innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of ship propulsion.