Electric machines, such as motors and generators, are crucial components in many modern technologies, including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial machinery. Actuators, which control the operation of these machines, play a vital role in their performance and efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive survey of actuator control of electric machines, covering various types of actuators, control strategies, and their applications.
Types of Actuators
Actuators can be broadly classified into two categories: direct-acting and indirect-acting. Direct-acting actuators directly convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, while indirect-acting actuators use a fluid or gas to transmit the force. The most common types of direct-acting actuators are voltage-controlled devices, such as electromagnetic actuators, which use magnetic fields to generate torque, and current-controlled devices, such as piezoelectric actuators, which generate force by applying a voltage to a piezoelectric material. Indirect-acting actuators include fluid-based devices like hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, as well as electrohydraulic and electromechanical actuators.
Control Strategies
Actuator control strategies aim to optimize the performance of electric machines by adjusting the actuator’s output in response to changes in the machine’s operating conditions or external inputs. Some common control strategies include open-loop control, where the actuator operates at a fixed position or velocity, and closed-loop control, where the actuator’s position or velocity is fed back to the controller to maintain a desired output. Other control strategies include model predictive control, which uses a mathematical model of the machine to predict its future behavior, and adaptive control, which adjusts the control parameters based on the machine’s operating conditions.
Applications
Electric machines with actuator control have numerous applications in various industries, including:
- Electric vehicles: Actuators control the movement of electric vehicle components like motors, brakes, and steering systems.
- Renewable energy systems: Wind turbines use actuators to adjust their blades’ angle and optimize energy production.
- Industrial machinery: Actuators control the movement of robotic arms, conveyor belts, and other industrial equipment.
Advances in actuator technology have significantly improved the performance and efficiency of electric machines. For example, piezoelectric actuators have high precision and fast response times, making them ideal for applications that require precise motion control. Similarly, electromagnetic actuators offer high torque output and low maintenance costs, making them suitable for large-scale industrial
