Renewable Energy Resources Integration for EV Applications Using Sensor less Control and Regenerative Braking

This article introduces an innovative controller and motor architecture designed for an e rickshaw powered by Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In the absence of Hall effect sensors, brushless DC (BLDC) motor drives often experience commutation delays across both low and high speeds. Traditional control methods are limited by the small magnitude of back EMF, making them less effective. The proposed sensorless control strategy addresses this by implementing commutation error correction, enabling full range motor operation. For cost effective EV applications, a simple commutation error compensation technique is developed to detect freewheeling pulses, eliminating the need for low pass filters and streamlining control. Additionally, a zero crossing detection (ZCD) method is introduced, which corrects commutation delay without requiring a separate phase compensator. Any unwanted spikes in the ZCD circuit are removed using a fixed delay digital filter. A modified Landsman converter is used for efficient MPPT control, delivering a smooth current output and reducing the need for a front end ripple filter. The regenerative capability of the BLDC motor drive helps alleviate EV range anxiety, as the renewable energy source ensures a continuous power supply. A PI based Fuzzy Logic Controller is employed, and the effectiveness of the system is validated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations.