Introduction

Abstract

Electric motors have been widely used in various industrial applications (e.g., machine tools, compressors, fans, robots, etc.) and home appliances. Due to progress in power electronics and drives, rare-earth magnets, and control systems, utilization of various types of electric motors is widespread. Among electric motors, brushed DC motors are easiest to control due to their reasonably simple dynamics. However, advances in nonlinear control system theory have made control of AC motors exhibiting nonlinear dynamics feasible especially in high-performance applications. In this book, recent advances on nonlinear feedback system designs for various types of electric motors are considered. Specifically, the following types of electric motors1 are emphasized and covered throughout the book with some extra emphasis on stepper motors:

• Stepper motors

  • Variable reluctance motors

  • Permanent magnet motors

  • Hybrid motors

  • Sawyer motors: dual-axis linear motors (special case of hybrid motors)

• Brushless DC motors

• Induction motors