Reduction of Torque Ripple in a Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor Using Space Vector Pulse-Width Modulation Method

Abstract This study investigates the reduction of torque ripple in Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motors (PMBLDCM) by comparing the effectiveness of Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) and conventional Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques. The absence of mechanical brushes and commutators in PMBLDC motors enhances durability, operational lifespan, and efficiency while reducing maintenance requirements. Despite these advantages, PMBLDC motors often experience excessive torque ripple, characterized by fluctuations in torque output, which can impair performance and operational stability. The primary objective of this research is to implement an advanced Space Vector Pulse-Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique to effectively minimize torque ripple in PMBLDC motors. Experimental results demonstrated a significant reduction in torque ripple with SVPWM, achieving 0.2% compared to 1.7% with SPWM and 2.28% with PWM. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) was also lower with SVPWM at 6%, compared to 8% for SPWM and 10% for PWM, indicating superior harmonic suppression. Speed regulation was more precise with SVPWM, showing a deviation of only 1.5%, while SPWM and PWM exhibited deviations of 2.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Current ripple was also minimised, measuring 0.035% for SVPWM, 0.08% for SPWM, and 0.9% for PWM. Thermal performance favoured SVPWM, maintaining a temperature range of 50-56°C, while SPWM and PWM ranged between 59-66°C and 70-86°C, respectively. Efficiency analysis further confirmed SVPWM's superiority, achieving 88-92% efficiency, compared to 85-87% for SPWM and 69-79% for PWM. These findings affirm that SVPWM outperforms both SPWM and PWM in key performance metrics, making it the preferred control method for high-precision, energy-efficient motor applications. The research concludes that SVPWM offers substantial advantages in reducing harmonic distortion, improving speed regulation, minimizing current ripple, and enhancing overall efficiency, contributing to the development of more reliable and sustainable PMBLDC motor systems for industrial use. Keywords Harmonic Distortion Reduction, Motor Efficiency Improvement, Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor, Space Vector Pulse-Width Modulation, Torque Ripple Minimization.