Application of MRAS Algorithm to Replace the Speed Sensor in Induction Motor Drive System

Sophisticated control of induction motor drive requires knowledge of the rotor angular velocity. In order to obtain the speed information an optical sensor is usually utilized. However, it is not always advantageous because of the whole drive robustness decrease caused by the speed sensor inclusion. The paper presents some simulation and measurement results in case of the MRAS (Model Reference Adaptive System) method employing in attempt to eliminate the induction motor drive speed sensor. The operation principle is explained and a mathematical model of the drive system is created. The MRAS method influence on the drive behaviour is examined in simulation environment and experimentally. Finally, the experimental results and comparison of the drive behaviour with and without the speed sensor are discussed.