Advanced vector control for PMBLDC motors in light electric vehicles: performance comparison with conventional FOC

BLDC motors are gaining in popularity in lightweight EVs like two and three-wheelers in India due to their durability, reliability, and high starting torque. However, electromagnetic torque ripple remains a significant challenge. Reducing this ripple can be achieved by optimising and injecting currents with appropriate harmonic components into the motor windings. This paper presents a simplified vector control strategy using single IP speed controller and a hysteresis current controller to minimise torque ripple, achieve maximum torque-per-current ratio (MTPA), and enhance speed response. The speed controller gains KP and Ki are optimised using particle swarm optimisation (PSO) for improved steady-state and dynamic performance. A comparative analysis with the conventional three-PI controller-based field-oriented control (FOC) method is conducted. The Indian drive cycle (IDC) has been taken as a reference input for speed tracking performances. The proposed controller effectiveness in reducing torque ripple and enhancing speed tracking is validated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations.