Search

Multiphase drives exhibit remarkable advantages (e.g., fault tolerance) over three-phase ones. Six-phase drives are particularly attractive, given their moderate complexity and suitability for off-the-shelf three-phase converters. Regarding the stator winding arrangement, the symmetrical one offers superior postfault capabilities in most scenarios. On the other hand, resistance asymmetry in the stator phases or connections may arise due to different causes. The conventional full-range minimum-loss strategy (FRMLS) generates stator-current references under open-phase (infinite resistance) faults so that torque ripple is prevented while minimizing the losses for each torque ($\boldsymbol{d}$ - $\boldsymbol{q}$ current) value and maximizing the torque range; however, this method is unsuitable for unequal resistances of finite value. This article proposes an FRMLS for setting the current references to reach these goals in symmetrical six-phase drives with any resistance asymmetry. The optimum references are found online depending on the resistances, without lookup tables. The phase currents are individually limited by an iterative algorithm, so that minimum stator copper loss (SCL) is achieved over the maximum admissible torque range. In this manner, unlike the conventional FRMLS, minimum SCL and maximum torque range are attained even for finite resistance imbalance. The currents in phases affected by high resistances are suitably reduced. Experimental results are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the operation of onboard integrated battery chargers tied to a nine-phase EV-drive train, shedding light on the charging performance during the postfault operation, when one or more faulty inverter legs are disconnected. The objective in that case is to ensure balanced grid currents, while maintaining minimum machine losses at zero average torque production. The proposed concept requires a minimalistic change from a control structure perspective to switch between the pre- and postfault cases. Limitations and fault cases are discussed and corroborated with experimental tests on a 1.5-kW prototype.The derived concept is parameter independent and applicable to nine-phase drives, irrespective of the type of rotor used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nine-phase six-terminal induction machine has recently been proposed as a promising contender to the conventional six-phase asymmetrical winding machine in terms of torque density, phase current quality, stator winding simplicity, and fault-tolerant capability. However, the relatively lower dc-link voltage utilization of a single neutral arrangement in multiphase machines with multiple three-phase windings represents, in general, a technical challenge when compared to windings with isolated star points. Therefore, this paper proposes a new pseudo six-phase winding layout suitable for medium-voltage high-power induction machines, which employs quadruple three-phase stator winding sets, while providing the same terminal behavior of a nine-phase six-terminal winding. Additionally, like the traditional six-phase winding, two possible neutral arrangements can be configured. The proposed winding configuration provides the same dc-link voltage utilization as in conventional dual three-phase winding machines with isolated neutrals. The effect of the circulating zero-sequence current component experienced with a single neutral arrangement can also be avoided. A 1.5 Hp prototype induction machine is used to experimentally validate the proposed six-phase winding layout under both healthy and fault conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a drive system based on a modular multilevel converter (MMC) with high-frequency magnetic channels between adjacent-arm submodules (SMs), suitable for medium-voltage, high-power three-phase variable-speed machines. The configuration employs chains of dual half-bridge (DHB) modules linking adjacent SMs of three-phase symmetrical arms. The DHB modules are operating as power channels enabling energy exchange to restore the power imbalance among the SM capacitors. This allows arms’ ripple-powers to be entirely decoupled through bidirectional power transfer between adjacent-arm SMs, resulting in a near ripple-free SM capacitor voltage profile. Therefore, the MMC common problem of wide voltage fluctuation across SM capacitors is comprehensively solved, independent of the operating frequency. Additionally, a significant reduction in the sizing requirement of SM capacitance is achieved. The configuration is able to drive multimegawatt machines from standstill to the rated speed at the rated torque operating condition. The operating principle of the proposed MMC configuration is explained and necessary mathematical analysis is derived. Features and viability of the proposed drive system are verified through simulation and experimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the postfault control of a nine-phase six-terminal induction machine (IM) during single open-line fault, which was recently proposed for high-power medium-voltage applications as a promising alternative to conventional six-phase IMs. The required optimal reference currents to provide prefault loading conditions under one-line open are derived using the two most common optimization criteria employed in multiphase drives, namely, maximum torque and minimum loss modes. A postfault controller, based on conventional decoupling Clarke's transformation, is then used to ensure the same controller structure under all conditions. Consequently, the machine characteristic curves, achievable torque, and stator copper losses under these different modes are compared. A comparison with a conventional asymmetrical six-phase winding is also given. A 1.5-Hp prototype IM is used for experimental verification. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a new winding layout for high-power medium-voltage nine-phase induction machines (IMs) based on a single-layer concentrated winding layout having a unity winding factor. The machine is fundamentally an asymmetrical nine-phase IM, where phases are connected in such a way as to provide six terminals that are fed from two three-phase inverters. Compared to a conventional asymmetrical six-phase IM with the same stator and copper volumes, it provides improved torque density, a higher torque/current ratio, and a simpler winding layout. Finite-element simulation is used to compare the proposed winding layout with a conventional split-phase six-phase IM to assess the claimed merits. A 1.5-hp prototype IM is also used for experimental verification. The experimental results are given under both healthy and fault conditions, where the faulty converter is completely disabled. The achievable derating factors under this case are then given and compared with those of conventional six-phase IMs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a new configuration for integrated on-board battery chargers of electric vehicles (EVs) incorporating symmetrical six-phase machines. The configuration proposes an exclusive utilization of a nine-switch converter (NSC) along with the machine windings during both propulsion and charging of EVs. The proposed configuration has the advantage of employing a reduced number of components in both the EV (on-board) and charging station (off-board), with the privilege of avoiding machine electromagnetic torque production during charging/vehicle-to-grid (V2G) mode of operation. During charging/V2G mode, the NSC is turned into a conventional three-phase pulse width modulation rectifier and is directly connected to the three-phase mains through the machine windings. Conventional three-phase transformers can be employed for galvanic isolation. Switching between propulsion and charging modes is carried out using a simple hardware reconfiguration. Control schemes for both propulsion and charging/V2G modes are elaborated, along with the principles of operation of the NSC. Experimental results are provided to validate the theoretical deductions for the different operating modes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The steady-state modeling of multiphase induction machines (IMs) with m phases under open-line fault conditions is usually carried out based on symmetrical component theory. Hence, the estimation of the machine characteristic curves usually involves complex mathematical calculations and inversion of high-order matrices, which complicates the analysis. Moreover, the effect of the different subspaces’ impedances on the machine performance cannot be easily recognized using this modeling technique. Instead, this paper presents the first attempt to derive a simple equivalent circuit for a five-phase IM under open-line conditions that includes the effect of all subspaces in a single circuit. The derivation is carried out for both star and pentagon connections. The equivalent circuit can be a simple technique to explain the advantages obtained from a pentagon connection compared to the star connection under open-circuit faults. It can also be used to derive a simple expression for torque gain and torque ripple magnitude for different stator connections based on the circuit parameters. The derived equivalent circuits are verified using a 1-kW five-phase prototype machine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper proposes a six-phase surface-mounted permanent-magnet machine with a 24-slot/10-pole fractional slot winding, which not only eliminates the air-gap flux subharmonics, but also minimizes the effect of slot harmonics, which highly affect both the core and magnet losses. The six-phase winding design also offers an improved drive train availability for electric vehicle applications due to its inherent high fault-tolerant capability. When compared with a three-phase design, the proposed winding offers approximately 3.5% improvement in torque density, a significant reduction in both the core and magnet losses, and an improved overall efficiency. The proposed winding is deduced based on the stator shifting concept of two 12-slot/10-pole stators with single tooth windings. The coil span of the resulting machine will be two slots, which stands as a compromise between single tooth and distributed windings. The concept of stator shifting is first presented, and then, a prototype machine is designed and simulated using the 2-D finite-element analysis to validate the proposed concept. A comparative study is also carried out to compare six-phase and three-phase designs with the same slot/pole combination and also with the 18-slot/10-pole combination, which was recently shown to be a competitive alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the steady-state mathematical model of a five-phase induction machine with a combined star/pentagon connection. The connection splits the stator winding into two five-phase windings displaced in space by $\pi$/10 and connected in a combined star/pentagon configuration. Recent work limited to an experimental investigation demonstrated that the connection possesses improved fault tolerance when compared to a conventional star-connected stator, as well as avoids the pentagon connection problems. Although the machine has five-phase terminals, it is intrinsically an asymmetrical ten-phase machine, which introduces additional subspaces in the machine's mathematical model. In order to theoretically investigate and thoroughly assess this connection against conventional connections, this paper introduces the steady-state mathematical model based on vector space decomposition and symmetrical component theory. Finite-element analysis is first used to investigate the different harmonic current components induced in the cage rotor circuit, upon which the effect of different subspaces can be clarified and the required transformation matrix from phase variables to their sequence components can be derived. The model is verified using a 1-kW prototype five-phase induction machine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The interior permanent magnet (IPM) machine equipped with a fractional-slot concentrated winding (FSCW) has met an increasing interest in electric vehicle applications due to its higher power density and efficiency. Torque production is due to both PM and reluctance torques. However, one of the main challenges of FSCWs is their inability to produce a high-quality magnetomotive force (MMF) distribution, yielding undesirable rotor core and magnet eddy-current losses. Literature shows that the reduction of low-order space harmonics significantly reduces these loss components. Moreover, it has been previously shown that by employing a higher number of layers, although causing some reduction in the winding factor of the torque-producing MMF component, both machine saliency and reluctance torque components are improved. Recently, a dual three-phase winding connected in a star/delta connection has also shown promise to concurrently enhance machine torque of a surface-mounted PM machine while significantly reducing both rotor core and magnet losses. In this paper, a multilayer winding configuration and a dual three-phase winding connection are combined and applied to the well-known 12-slot/10-pole IPM machine with v-shaped magnets. The proposed winding layout is compared with a conventional double-layer winding, a dual three-phase double-layer winding, and a four-layer winding. The comparison is carried out using 2-D finite-element analysis. The comparison shows that the proposed winding layout, while providing similar output torque to a conventional double-layer three-phase winding, offers a significant reduction in core and magnet losses, correspondingly a higher efficiency, improves the machine saliency ratio, and maximizes the reluctance toque component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main drawbacks of nonoverlapped coils in fractional slot concentrated winding permanent magnet (PM) machines are the high eddy current losses in both rotor core and permanent magnets induced by the asynchronous harmonics of the armature reaction field. It has been shown in the literature that the reduction of low space harmonics can effectively reduce the rotor eddy current losses. This paper shows that employing a combined star-delta winding to a three-phase PM machine with fractional slot windings and with a number of slots equal to 12, or its multiples, yields a complete cancellation to the fundamental magneto-motive force (MMF) component, which significantly reduces the induced rotor eddy current. Besides, it offers a slight increase in machine torque density. A case study on the well-known 12-slot/10-pole PM machine is conducted to explore the proposed approach. With the same concept, the general $n$ -phase PM machine occupying $4n$ slots and with a dual $n$ -phase winding is then proposed. This configuration offers a complete cancelation of all harmonics below the torque producing MMF component. Hence, the induced eddy currents in both rotor core and magnets are significantly reduced. The winding connection and the required number of turns for both winding groups are also given. The concept is applied to a 20-slot/18-pole stator with a dual five-phase winding, where the stator winding is connected as a combined star/pentagon connection. The proposed concept is assessed through a simulation study based on 2-D finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main challenges in designing high-power drive systems is the quality of the developed torque. High-torque-ripple magnitudes result in serious vibration and acoustic noise problems that affect the lifetime of a drive train. Multiphase machines intrinsically offer the torque with higher quality and are also being promoted for their high fault tolerant capability when compared with their three-phase counterparts. During open-phase conditions, the induced nonfundamental sequence current components have a detrimental effect on the machine performance especially under open-loop control. Although optimal current control is usually employed to ensure certain optimization criterion, such as minimizing torque ripples, optimizing flux distribution, or minimizing copper loss, are met, it usually entails a sophisticated current controller. This paper studies the effect of a stator winding connection of a five-phase induction machine on the induced torque ripples. Two possible connections, namely, star and pentagon connections are compared under healthy as well as fault conditions with one-line open. The comparison is conducted using both finite-element simulation and experimental results using a 1.5-Hp five-phase prototype induction machine. The comparison shows that the pentagon connection reduces the machine-induced torque ripples and improves the overall machine performance under fault conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper studies the effect of stator winding configuration on the performance of five-phase induction machines under healthy as well as faulty conditions. The study compares two connections, namely, star and pentagon connections. The comparison is conducted using both simulation and experimental results. The steady-state model based on symmetrical components theory is introduced for both connections with one-line open due to a converter fault, and the corresponding machine characteristic curves are estimated. During faults, two alternatives for machine operation are possible, namely, open-loop control and optimal current control. While the first alternative corresponds to higher torque ripple and unbalanced winding currents, the second option necessitates unbalanced phase voltages and typically an increased dc-link voltage to source the required optimal currents. Consequently, an increase in the employed semiconductor device rating is required, which is a critical design factor particularly in medium-voltage applications. A new V/f control technique is proposed to ensure disturbance-free operation with one-line open for both winding connections. Based on the unbalanced machine model and experimental verification, the derating factors that ensure safe machine operation for both winding connection alternatives are calculated. The comparison between the two connections shows the superiority of the pentagon connection under fault conditions in terms of efficiency, average torque, torque ripples, and derating factor. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fractional slot concentrated windings (FSCWs), or modular windings, have shown promise with permanent magnet machines. However, their inability to produce high quality travelling fields has limited their application from spreading to induction machines. This paper presents the design considerations and tradeoffs involved in applying FSCWs to five-phase induction machines using the conventional three-phase lap wound machine as a reference. Previous work has touched upon the application of modular windings to three-phase induction machines, concluding that a conventional distributed winding is superior in terms of torque production and rotor bar losses. In applications such as high frequency induction machines and manually wound electrical submersible pump motors, the proposed machine topology provides advantages that may warrant its application despite an apparent power density penalty. In this paper, a prototype five-phase modular winding induction machine designed to significantly reduce the effect of space harmonics is investigated through simulations and experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]