Torque Ripple Minimization in Reaction Wheels Used in Satellites-A Comparison between Field Oriented Control of BLDCM and PMSM Using SVPWM

AC motors have always been an area of interest in the field of electrical drives. With improvements in technology there is always a need of effective utilization of electrical power as well as the available resources. Nowadays the focus is given mainly on the efficiency of these drives with improvement in the performance of the motors used in the drives. Permanent magnet motors are classified as BLDC and PMSM among which Brushless DC Motor is one of the highly preferred AC motors used in various applications due to various advantages offered such as high efficiency, better speed versus torque characteristics. Although BLDC drives has several advantages it generates torque ripples which is a major concern in high precision applications especially in spacecrafts. Even though the torque generated is less when compared to BLDC motors, PMSM generates less torque ripples. Field oriented control of PMSM drives are becoming more popular especially in high precision applications. The main objective of this thesis is to make a comparison study between the FOC control of BLDC motor and PMSM using SVPWM technique in reducing torque ripples in reaction wheels used in satellites. FOC controlled AC motor drives provide better dynamic response and lesser torque ripples. The field oriented control scheme of the BLDC Motor drive and PMSM drive using SVPWM are simulated in MATLAB SIMULINK.