Abstract
In the field of evolving industrial automation, there is a growing need for refined sensorless speed estimation techniques for induction drives to cater the demands of various applications. In this paper, the sensorless speed estimation algorithms for induction motor drives are investigated and reviewed detailly for real-time industrial usages. The main objective of this paper is to classify sensorless techniques by highlighting the characteristics, merits and drawbacks of each sensorless speed estimation techniques of induction motor drives. Different techniques like Rotor slot harmonics, Signal Injection, and Machine model based system have the benefits of sensorless motor drives involving lower costs, higher reliability, simpler hardware complication, improved noise immunity, and lesser maintenance requirement. As a result of the advancement of current industrial automation, more improved sensorless estimation techniques are required to meet application demand. The various speed estimation techniques are distinguished based on criteria of steady state error, dynamic behavior, low speed operation, parameter sensitivity, noise sensitivity, complexity and computation time. This comparison allows to opt the best sensorless speed estimation technique for induction motor drive to be implemented based on a specific application. The results of comparison highlight the characteristics of each technique.