Patent ID: 8644992

Claim:
A method for providing washing machine motor control, comprising: controlling operation of a washing machine motor using a field-oriented control algorithm to perform washing machine operations in which torque response is controlled; controlling operation of the washing machine motor using a voltage-frequency control algorithm to perform washing machine operations in which high power and spin speed are controlled; changing from operation using the field-oriented control algorithm to operation using the voltage-frequency control algorithm while the washing machine motor is spinning; and discontinuing application of motor operating energy to the motor for a predetermined transition period of time following discontinuance of operation using the field-oriented control algorithm and prior to starting operation of the washing machine motor using the voltage-frequency control algorithm; wherein the motor continues to spin during the transition period; and wherein the transition period is of such duration as to permit rotating magnetic fields in the motor sufficient time to subside such that the rotating magnetic fields do not induce transient currents upon starting operation of the washing machine motor using the voltage-frequency control algorithm.