Framework for Sensorless Control and Flying Start of a Permanent Magnet Generator Based on a Sliding Mode Observer

This article deals with a sensorless control of permanent magnet generators (PMGs) including a method of flying start. Flying start involves synchronization between the voltages of the generator-side converter (GSC) and the PMG, as well as switching on the GSC. Without a proper flying start, inrush current and impact torque can cause undesirable side effects. In this article, a framework for the sensorless control of the PMG based on a sliding mode observer (SMO) is proposed, which includes the flying start method. The flying start is performed during a discontinuous operation of the GSC. This method ensures the flying start and continuous operation of the PMG, with few adjustments required between the two modes. In addition, the self-commissioning method is used to determine the PMG parameters required to tune the SMO and current controllers, and to reduce the SMO estimation error. The new method is verified experimentally on a 5.5-kW PMG.