Abstract: A system and a method of automatically determining an electric motor type are provided. An electric motor drive controller is configured to be coupled to an electric motor and to determine running parameters of the drive controller for the electric motor. The drive controller includes a memory device, a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device and to a user interface wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory device that cause the processor to automatically measure electrical characteristics of the electric motor, identify the electric motor using the measured electrical characteristics, load pre defined running parameters selected based on the identification into the memory device, and control an operation of the electric motor using the controller and the loaded running parameters.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an electric motor using a motor controller are provided. The system includes an electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor and to control the electric motor to produce approximately constant average torque. The controller includes a rectifier configured to convert an AC input voltage to a pulsing DC voltage, a DC link electrically coupled to the rectifier, an inverter electrically coupled to the DC link and configured to generate a three phase AC voltage to drive the electric motor, and a controller configured to receive a measurement of a motor current value for the motor, estimate a torque generated in the electric motor using the measurement of the instantaneous motor current value, and generate a real-time current demand signal using the estimated torque value, the real-time current demand signal compensating the motor controller to produce a substantially constant average motor output torque.

Abstract: A control system for a motor includes an inverter coupled to the motor. The control system further includes a microcontroller coupled to the inverter. The microcontroller includes a processor programmed to measure an input voltage and acquire a back EMF voltage of the motor. The processor is also programmed to control the inverter to regulate the motor voltage based on the input voltage and the back EMF voltage to facilitate controlling the motor.

Abstract: A system and a method of automatically determining an electric motor type are provided. An electric motor drive controller is configured to be coupled to an electric motor and to determine running parameters of the drive controller for the electric motor. The drive controller includes a memory device, a processor communicatively coupled to the memory device and to a user interface wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory device that cause the processor to automatically measure electrical characteristics of the electric motor, identify the electric motor using the measured electrical characteristics, load pre defined running parameters selected based on the identification into the memory device, and control an operation of the electric motor using the controller and the loaded running parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems for starting an electric motor using a motor controller including a processor are provided. The method includes determining if the electric motor is operating, increasing a failed start counter if the electric motor is determined not to be operating, determining a reverse rotation by comparing a failed start counter to a predetermined threshold, and applying a reverse rotation start routine to the electric motor when a reverse rotation is determined.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programming an electric motor are provided. An electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor is configured to control the electric motor to produce torque when direct current (DC) link voltage has up to 100% voltage ripple. The controller includes a first power input, a second power input, and a third power input, an energized line detection device, and a microprocessor. Each power input is configured to receive power from an alternating current (AC) power source. The energized line detection device is configured to sense which power input has received power from the AC power source and output an isolated signal. The microprocessor is coupled downstream from the energized line detection device and is configured to determine an operating profile for the electric motor based on the isolated signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided herein. The system is configured to be coupled to a power supply. The electric motor system includes a rectifier, an electric motor, and a microcontroller. The rectifier is configured to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage input to a direct current (DC) voltage. The microcontroller is configured to extract power from a generator device.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an electric motor using a motor controller are provided. The system includes an electric motor controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor and to control the electric motor to produce approximately constant average torque. The controller includes a rectifier configured to convert an AC input voltage to a pulsing DC voltage, a DC link electrically coupled to the rectifier, an inverter electrically coupled to the DC link and configured to generate a three phase AC voltage to drive the electric motor, and a controller configured to receive a measurement of a motor current value for the motor, estimate a torque generated in the electric motor using the measurement of the instantaneous motor current value, and generate a real-time current demand signal using the estimated torque value, the real-time current demand signal compensating the motor controller to produce a substantially constant average motor output torque.

Abstract: A controller configured to be coupled to an electric motor. The controller including a processor programmed to receive a signal indicating a stopping command of the electric motor, and control a current such that a capacitor coupled to the electric motor is not overcharged by regenerative energy when a stopping of the electric motor has commenced, wherein controlling the current includes one of the following: upon receiving the signal indicating the stopping command of the electric motor, ramping the current down below a threshold level, or upon receiving the signal indicating the stopping command of the electric motor, forcing the current to circulate in motor windings to prevent regeneration of energy in the capacitor.

Abstract: A motor controller is provided that includes an inverter configured to drive an electric motor, a rectifier configured to rectify an alternating current (AC) input current and to output the rectified AC input current to the inverter, and a controller coupled to the inverter. The controller is configured to improve a power factor of the motor controller by controlling the AC input current based on a direct current (DC) link voltage measurement.

Abstract: An electric motor controller is configured to be coupled to an electric motor. The controller includes an inverter and a control unit coupled to the inverter. The inverter is configured to receive an input voltage and to provide a conditioned output voltage to the electric motor. The control unit is configured to control the electric motor to produce positive torque when direct current (DC) link voltage has a 100% voltage ripple. Methods for controlling an electric motor using the electric motor controller are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a permanent magnet rotor is provided. The permanent magnet rotor includes at least one permanent magnet and a substantially cylindrical rotor core including an outer edge and an inner edge defining a central opening. The rotor core includes a radius R, at least one pole, and at least one radial aperture extending radially though the rotor core from the outer edge to a predetermined depth less than the radius. The at least one radial aperture is configured to receive the at least one permanent magnet. The rotor further includes at least one protrusion extending into the at least one radial aperture, the at least one protrusion positioned substantially along a bottom of the at least one radial aperture and configured to facilitate retention of the at least one permanent magnet within the at least one radial aperture.

Abstract: A control system for a motor includes an inverter coupled to the motor. The control system further includes a microcontroller coupled to the inverter. The microcontroller includes a processor programmed to measure an input voltage and acquire a back EMF voltage of the motor. The processor is also programmed to control the inverter to regulate the motor voltage based on the input voltage and the back EMF voltage to facilitate controlling the motor.

Abstract: A control system is described that includes a first rotating machine, a second rotating machine, and a motor controller physically mounted to and communicatively coupled with the first rotating machine and communicatively coupled with the second rotating machine. The motor controller includes a first PWM generator operable to generate a first set of pulse width modulated signals for application to the first rotating machine, and a second PWM generator operable to generate a second set of pulse modulated signals for application to the second rotating machine.