Comparison of Scalar and Vector Control Strategies of Induction Motors

Abstract

Currently the use of three-phase induction machines is widespread in industrial applications due to several methods available to control the speed and torque of the motor. Many applications require that the same torque be available at all revolutions up to the nominal value. In this paper two control methods are compared: scalar control and vector control. Scalar control is a relatively simple method. The purpose of the technique is to control the magnitude of the chosen control quantities. At the induction motor the technique is used as Volts/Hertz constant control. Vector control is a more complex control technique, the evolution of which was inevitable, too, since scalar control cannot be applied for controlling systems with dynamic behaviour. The vector control technique works with vector quantities, controlling the desired values by using space phasors which contain all the three phase quantities in one phasor. It is also known as field-oriented control because in the course of implementation the identification of the field flux of the motor is required. This paper reports on the changing possibilities of the revolution – torque characteristic curve, and demonstrates the results of the two control methods with simulations. The simulations and the applied equivalent circuit parameters are based on real measurements done with no load, with direct current and with locked-rotor.