Application of Zero Average Dynamics and Fixed Point Induction Control Techniques to Control the Speed of a DC Motor with a Buck Converter

Several technological applications require well-designed control systems to induce a desired speed in direct current (DC) motors. Some controllers present saturation in the duty cycle, which generates variable switching frequency and subharmonics. The zero average dynamics and fixed point induction control (ZAD-FPIC) techniques have been shown to reduce these problems; however, little research has been done for DC motors, considering fixed switching frequency, quantization effects, and delays. Therefore, this paper presents the speed control of a DC motor by using a buck converter controlled with the ZAD-FPIC techniques. A fourth-order, non-linear mathematical model is used to describe the system dynamics, which combines electrical and electromechanical physical models. The dynamic response and non-linear system dynamics are studied for different scenarios where the control parameters are changed. Results show that the speed of the motor is successfully controlled when using ZAD-FPIC, with a non-saturated duty cycle presenting fixed switching frequency. Simulation and experimental tests show that the controlled system presents a good performance for different quantization levels, which makes it robust to the resolution for the measurement and type of sensor.