Absolute Position Detection in 7-Phase Sensorless Electric Stepper Motor

Vincent Groenhuis*, Gijs Rolff, Koen Bosman, Leon Abelmann, Stefano Stramigioli

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Sensorless position detection in electric stepper motors potentially allows for higher space efficiency, improved shock resistance, simplified installation, reduced number of parts and lowered cost.

A prototype is demonstrated measuring 42 x 52 x 34 mm^3 with seven coils arranged in a star configuration. The rotor is ø25.8 x 12.5 mm^2 and has 51 teeth which are irregularly spaced. The coil currents are measured during motion in order to reconstruct the absolute position of the motor. Calibration and smoothing techniques are used to reduce systematic and stochastic measurement errors, respectively.

The motor is able to detect and correct its position after externally-induced stalls at the tested motor speeds from 40 rpm to 108 rpm. The holding torque is 0.23 Nm at an armature current of 1 A; on average the torque is 7% lower than that of a reference bipolar stepper motor with the same dimensions.

The results show that dynamic position sensing and correction are possible for a range of velocities, but not at standstill. The driver requires seven current sensors and sufficient computational power, and proper calibration of motor intrinsics is required beforehand. The presented technology could make existing 3-D printers and other machines with open-loop stepper motors more robust and increase the range of operating speeds and accelerations, without the adverse side-effects of increased complexity and cost associated with dedicated position sensors.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS)
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-6654-7927-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Dec 2022
EventIEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, IROS 2022 - Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto), Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 23 Oct 202227 Oct 2022
https://iros2022.org/

Conference

ConferenceIEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, IROS 2022
Abbreviated titleIROS 2022
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKyoto
Period23/10/2227/10/22
Internet address

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