Comparison of population-based algorithms for parameter identification for induction machine modeling

Abstract

Purpose

Monitoring and diagnosis of fault cases for squirrel cage induction motors can be implemented using the multiple coupled circuit model. However, the identification of the associated model parameters for a specific machine is problematic. Up to now, the main options are measurement and test procedures or the use of finite element method analyses. However, these approaches are very costly and not suitable for use in an industrial application. The purpose of this paper is a practical parameter identification based on optimization methods and a comparison of different algorithms for this task.

Design/methodology/approach

Population-based metaheuristics are used to determine the parameters for the multiple coupled circuit model. For this purpose, a search space for the required parameters is defined without an elaborate analytical approach. Subsequently, a genetic algorithm, the differential evolution algorithm and particle swarm optimization are tested and compared. The algorithms use the weighted mean squared error (MSE) between the real measured data of stator currents as well as speed and the simulation results of the model as a fitness function.

Findings

The results of the parameter identification show that the applied methodology generally works and all three optimization algorithms fulfill the task. The differential evolution algorithm performs best, with a weighted MSE of 2.62, the lowest error after 1,000 simulations. In addition, this algorithm achieves the lowest overall error of all algorithms after only 740 simulations. The determined parameters do not completely match the parameters of the real machine, but still result in a very good reproduction of the dynamic behavior of the induction motor with squirrel cage.

Originality/value

The value of the presented method lies in the application of condition-based maintenance of electric drives in the industry, which is performed based on the multiple coupled circuit model. With a parameterized model, various healthy as well as faulty states can be calculated and thus, in the future, monitoring and diagnosis of faults of the respective motor can be performed. Essential for this, however, are the parameters adapted to the respective machine. With the described method, an automated parameter identification can be realized without great effort as a basis for an intelligent and condition-oriented maintenance.

Citation

Benninger, M., Liebschner, M. and Kreischer, C. (2023), "Comparison of population-based algorithms for parameter identification for induction machine modeling", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 42 No. 4, pp. 878-892. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-09-2022-0327