Abstract
This paper presents a method to reduce the commutation torque ripple in a position sensorless brushless DC motor drive. To compensate the commutation torque ripple considerably, the duration of commutation must be known. The proposed method measures the duration of commutation from the terminal voltage of the motor, calculates a PWM duty ratio using the measured commutation interval to suppress the commutation torque ripple, and applies it to the calculated PWM duty ratio only during the next commutation. Experimental results show that pulsating currents and vibrations are considerably reduced when the proposed method is applied to a position sensorless brushless DC motor drive for the air-conditioner compressor.