  This paper studies the local observability of synchronous machines using a
unified approach. Recently, motion sensorless control of electrical drives has
gained high interest. The main challenge for such a technology is the poor
performance in some operation conditions. One interesting theory that helps
understanding the origin of this problem is the observability analysis of
nonlinear systems. In this paper, the observability of the wound-rotor
synchronous machine is studied. The results are extended to other synchronous
machines, adopting a unified analysis. Furthermore, a high-frequency
injection-based technique is proposed to enhance the sensorless operation of
the wound-rotor synchronous machine at standstill.
