This research focuses on the sensorless vector control of a salient pole permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), particularly at low speed, with detection of the initial rotor position. In first step, an overview of the state of the art concerning the estimation of the rotor speed as well as the initial rotor position of PMSM is addressed. From such a study, we have adopted an interesting strategy based on the model reference adaptive system (MRAS). The second step in this research consists in studying the performances and the feasibility of a non-linear observer for closed-loop vector control of salient pole PMSM. The MRAS technique as well as the non-linear observer is associated to a vector control scheme based on the field oriented strategy with space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM). To detect the initial rotor position, we have proposed a new approach which estimates the position with a resolution of 5 mechanical degrees. This new approach is based on applying short voltage pulses to the stator winding of salient pole PMSM. Several simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the theoretical studies of the sensorless vector control of the salient pole PMSM drive. Finally, we have analyzed the performances of the sensorless speed fault tolerant control (FTC) of salient pole PMSM under failures related to the voltage source inverter (open circuit fault). The experimental results obtained based on the proposed techniques using nonlinear and MRAS observers have been improved in term of the reliability and allow a continuous operation of the salient pole PMSM drive even when it is supplied with two inverter legs. Indeed, the experimental results of the sensorless vector control of salient pole PMSM in degraded mode show that the nonlinear observer is best suited for this type of operation because it has low ripple torque and speed. The different approaches proposed in this researchhave been first tested by simulation and then experimentally verified on test-bench developed in the LSIS laboratory-Pôle Ecole Centrale Marseille. The results show the effectiveness of the implemented proposed sensorless vector control techniques of the salient pole PMSM drive in terms of robustness, stability, accuracy and time response
