Comprehensive Investigation of Conventional and Model-Based Speed Controllers for SPMSM

The electrification of transportation has received considerable attention in recent years due to its advantages, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security. Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a popular and efficient alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, often using Surface Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (SPMSMs) for propulsion. A key factor in an EV’s propulsion system is the controller’s ability to accurately track reference signals. This paper examines and compares the reference tracking performance of an SPMSM using two control methods: the conventional Proportional-Integral (PI) controller and a model-based controller. Among various model-based techniques, Predictive Functional Control (PFC) is selected for its straightforward design and low computational requirements, making it a suitable comparison with PI controllers. The study includes a detailed analysis, along with simulations and experimental results, to assess the performance of both controllers under different conditions. The results show that the model-based controller can achieve better tracking performance than the conventional PI controller, although a disturbance observer is needed to improve its ability to reject disturbances.