Patent ID: 6989641
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G05B,H02P

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling an electric machine having current sensors for less than every phase of the electric machine, when a fault occurs in one or more of the current sensors, said method comprising operating a processor to: perform a test to determine whether a fault exists in one or more of the current sensors; utilize a state observer of the electric machine to estimate states of the electric machine, wherein said state observer is provided input measurements from non-faulty current sensors, if any, disregarding measurements from the current sensor or sensors determined to be faulty; and control the electric machine utilizing results from the state observer; wherein said performing a test to determine that a fault exists in one or more of the current sensors comprises operating a processor to: wherein the electric machine is a three-phase motor having three windings with current sensors on two of the three windings, and wherein performing a test to preliminarily determine that a fault exists in one or more current sensors comprises operating a processor to: