Migration From Brushed to Brushless DC Motor!
For a very long time, DC Motors has dominated the automotive industry. However, the advancements in vehicle electronics have ushered in a new generation of electronic-controlled electric motors. The advantages provided by these cutting-edge motor control technologies have also sped up automotive OEMs' transition to Brushless DC Motors from Brushed DC Motors. Although brush and brushless DC motors are both unique in their own way, still in today's world, brushless DC motors are preferred for different uses.
History of Automotive DC Motors
Brushed DC Motors were traditionally used extensively in all vehicle components, including power windows, wiper systems, power steering, seating control, traction control system, etc. Brushed DC motors might accelerate to their maximum speed in just a few seconds. However, a significant disadvantage of Brushed DC Motors was wear and tear. Furthermore, it wasn't easy to control the speed of such a motor.
These factors contributed to the widespread use of Brushless DC (BLDC) Motors in the automotive sector, along with several others. It sounds like a fascinating technological history. Before we dig further into this subject, let's review some fundamentals.
Brushed Vs. Brushless DC Motors
Both brush and brushless DC motor have two fundamental parts stator and Rotor. Although permanent magnets or electro-magnets serve as the stator in both brushed DC motors and BLDC motors, the distinction is in the commutation. Brushes are included as extra parts in a brushed DC motor.
Challenges While Migrating from Brushed DC to BLDC Motors!
The direction of the motor rotation is controlled by mechanical commutation, which is done using brushes and a copper commutator in a brushed DC motor. The transition from brushed DC motors to their brushless counterparts is fraught with difficulties. Overcoming the difficulty with commuting is the most critical problem one may encounter during the moving process.
In comparison, a BLDC motor has several additional functions. This comprises software-level functions like soft start/stop, diagnostics ability, FOC algorithm for greater efficiency, and several others. The BLDC motor controller makes the majority of these functions possible.
Unlike brushed DC motors, which can only flip between two phases at a time, BLDC motors often have three steps. Therefore, three phases of the current are switched. The following commutation sequences can be used when switching to Brushless DC Motors:
The classical and straightforward trapezoidal control
The Space Vector PWM-enabled Advanced FOC
The motor position in a BLDC motor is crucial for precise commutation. The BLDC motor controller employs Hall Effect sensors, resolvers, and encoders as feedback mechanisms. This aids in obtaining the necessary accuracy of the motor position.
Integrating vector current handling takes a lot of control systems, motor knowledge, and experience. In some situations, the commutation of BLDC motors can also be done without using sensors. In these circumstances, the back EMF serves as the feedback mechanism. However, commutating BLDC Motors with the FOC algorithm is a more effective technique.
Conclusion
The preference for brushless motors over brushed motors is growing. Brushless motors are more adaptable for various applications, from conveyors to AGVs, although brushed motors are still often employed in domestic products and autos. Therefore, both brush and brushless DC motor is useful in different applications.
Comments
Post a Comment