Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology

Nilay Şavklıyıldız; Övünç Polat

doi:10.24107/ijeas.1774094

Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology

Abstract

Multi-motor drive systems are widely used in modern applications that require precise synchronization of speed or torque, particularly when motors are mechanically coupled to a common load. A lack of proper coordination leads to unbalanced torques, mechanical stress, and vibrations, which ultimately reduce system efficiency. Maintaining reliable synchronization remains challenging due to system asymmetries and the limitations of conventional centralized or master–follower approaches. This study introduces a control strategy for three Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSMs) rigidly coupled to a single shaft. In the experimental setup, three synchronization methods were implemented: Parallel, Torque-Follower, and the proposed Multilateral control. Each motor is driven by an independent controller and driver unit. Depending on the selected topology; these units perform either torque control or integrated velocity and torque control. Comparative results show that the proposed Multilateral control improves torque and velocity synchronization. It reduces mean squared errors compared to Torque-Follower method and provides more balanced torque distribution than Parallel under both no-load and loaded conditions. These findings show its potential as a scalable solution for advanced multi-motor applications.

Keywords

References

Niu, F., Sun, K., Huang, S., Hu, Y., Liang, D., Fang, Y., A Review on Multimotor Synchronous Control Methods. IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification, 9, 22–33, 2023.
Sun, D., Mills, J.K., Adaptive synchronized control for coordination of multirobot assembly tasks. IEEE Transactions on Robotics and Automation, 18, 498–510, 2002.
Kong, X., Chen, X., Dou, J., Zhang, X., Wen, B., Controlled Synchronization of Two Nonidentical Homodromy Coupling Exciters Driven by Inductor Motors in a Vibratory System. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part C Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, 230, 3040–3054, 2016.
Liu, T., Chen, C., Ye, B., Chen, Y., Comparative study of the synchronous control for rigidly coupled electro-motors. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1983, 012065, 2021.
Wei, J., Sun, Q., Sun, W., Ding, X., Tu, W., Wang, Q., Load-sharing characteristic of multiple pinions driving in tunneling boring machine. Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 26, 532–540, 2013.
Dai, J., He, T., Li, M., Long, X., Performance study of multi-source driving yaw system for aiding yaw control of wind turbines. Renewable Energy, 163, 154–171, 2021.
Yu, G., Sun, J., Wu, Z., Liu, H., Ji, W., Research on a Multi-Motor Coordinated Control Strategy Based on Fuzzy Ring Coupling Control. 2020 Chinese Automation Congress (CAC), 2020.
Gou, M., Wang, B., Zhang, X., Development of Multi-Motor Servo Control System Based on Heterogeneous Embedded Platforms. Electronics, 13, 2024.

Perez-Pinal, C. Nunez, R. Alvarez, I. Cervantes, Comparison of multi-motor synchronization techniques. 30th Annual Conference of IEEE Industrial Electronics Society, 2004. IECON 2004, 2004.
Jiang, C., Fan, B., Hong, Q., Dong, J., Sun, L., Synchronization and coordination control based on enhanced deviation coupling for multi-motor rigid connection systems. Engineering Research Express, 7, 015340, 2025.
Hang, C., Tan, Y., Li, R., Research on Cooperative Control Strategy of Multi-Motor System Based on Fuzzy Inference. Journal of Physics Conference Series, 2187, 012002, 2022.
Zhou, Q., Gong, H., Du, G., Zhang, Y., He, H., Distributed Permanent Magnet Direct-Drive Belt Conveyor System and Its Control Strategy. Energies, 15, 2022.
Gong, C., Li, Y.R., Zargari, N.R., An Overview of Advancements in Multimotor Drives: Structural Diversity, Advanced Control, Specific Technical Challenges, and Solutions. Proceedings of the IEEE, 112, 184–209, 2024.
Sakka, M.A., Geury, T., Dhaens, M., Sakka, M.A., Baghdadi, M.E., Hegazy, O., Reliability and Cost Assessment of Fault-Tolerant Inverter Topologies for Multi-Motor Drive Systems. 2021 23rd European Conference on Power Electronics and Applications (EPE’21 ECCE Europe), 2021.
Zhang, X., Hu, H., Wang, H., Wang, Z., Overview of position synchronous control technology for multi-motor system. Systems Science & Control Engineering, 12, 2427074, 2024.
Zhou, Q., Shi, K., Xu, K., Du, G., Gao, K., Optimized Multi-Motor Power Control Strategy for Distributed Permanent Magnet Direct Drive Belt Conveyors. Applied Sciences, 14, 2024.
Cordeiro, A., Manuel, J.F.M., Pires, V.F., Performance of synchronized master-slave closed-loop control of AC electric drives using real time motion over ethernet (RTMoE). Mechatronics, 69, 102400, 2020.
Vas, P., Sensorless vector and direct torque control., Sensorless vector and direct torque control. Oxford university press, 1998.
Lee, H.-J., Oh, K.-K., Comparison study of parallel operation of motor drives. 2017 17th International Conference on Control, Automation and Systems (ICCAS), 2017.
Gao, S., Wang, Q., Li, G., Li, Z., Qian, Z., Zhang, Q., Diao, K., A review of multi-motor coordinated control technologies: advanced strategies, intelligent algorithms, and future trends. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 225, 116188, 2026.
Kebude, D., Morimitsu, H., Katsura, S., Sabanovic, A., Multilateral control-based motion copying system for haptic training. 2014 IEEE 23rd International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE), 2014.
Kitamura, K., Yashiro, D., Ohnishi, K., Estimation and share of environmental impedance using multiple robots for haptic broadcasting. 2009 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology, 2009.
Kovalchuk, M.S., Baburin, S.V., Modelling and control system of multi motor conveyor. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 327, 022065, 2018.
Huang, Z., Qiu, S., Wang, B., Liu, Q., A real-time field bus architecture for multi-smart-motor servo system. Scientific Reports, 14, 3918, 2024.
Mitrovic, N., Kostić, V., Petronijevic, M., Jeftenic, B., Multi-Motor Drives for Crane Application. Advances in Electrical and Computer Engineering, 9, 2009.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Electrical Machines and Drives, Electronic Device and System Performance Evaluation, Testing and Simulation, Embedded Systems, Control Theoryand Applications

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Nilay Şavklıyıldız ^*
0009-0007-6533-8538
Türkiye

Övünç Polat
0000-0002-9581-2591
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 31, 2025

Submission Date

August 30, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 13, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 17 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.24107/ijeas.1774094

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA99FE58AH

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Şavklıyıldız, N., & Polat, Ö. (2025). Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 17(4), 197-212. https://doi.org/10.24107/ijeas.1774094

AMA

1.Şavklıyıldız N, Polat Ö. Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology. IJEAS. 2025;17(4):197-212. doi:10.24107/ijeas.1774094

Chicago

Şavklıyıldız, Nilay, and Övünç Polat. 2025. “Implementation and Comparison of Multi-Motor Synchronization Control Strategies With a Distributed Topology”. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences 17 (4): 197-212. https://doi.org/10.24107/ijeas.1774094.

EndNote

Şavklıyıldız N, Polat Ö (December 1, 2025) Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences 17 4 197–212.

IEEE

[1]N. Şavklıyıldız and Ö. Polat, “Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology”, IJEAS, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 197–212, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.24107/ijeas.1774094.

ISNAD

Şavklıyıldız, Nilay - Polat, Övünç. “Implementation and Comparison of Multi-Motor Synchronization Control Strategies With a Distributed Topology”. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences 17/4 (December 1, 2025): 197-212. https://doi.org/10.24107/ijeas.1774094.

JAMA

1.Şavklıyıldız N, Polat Ö. Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology. IJEAS. 2025;17:197–212.

MLA

Şavklıyıldız, Nilay, and Övünç Polat. “Implementation and Comparison of Multi-Motor Synchronization Control Strategies With a Distributed Topology”. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, vol. 17, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 197-12, doi:10.24107/ijeas.1774094.

Vancouver

1.Nilay Şavklıyıldız, Övünç Polat. Implementation and Comparison of Multi-motor Synchronization Control Strategies with a Distributed Topology. IJEAS. 2025 Dec. 1;17(4):197-212. doi:10.24107/ijeas.1774094

Cited By

Development of a Laboratory Multi-Motor Electric Drive using Raspberry Pi 5 and BLDC Motors

Energy engineering and control systems

https://doi.org/10.23939/jeecs2026.01.129