Delta‐inverter fed fractional‐slot six‐phase brushless DC motors: Analysis, control, and fault‐tolerance capability

Abstract

Purpose

This paper deals with the analysis, the modeling, the control and the fault‐tolerance capability of a three‐switch inverter (TSI, also known delta‐inverter) fed fractional‐slot six‐phase brushless DC motor (BDCM) drive.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the presentation of the advantages of multi‐phase fractional‐slot brushless machines and the possibility of their association to TSI, the analysis of the operating sequences as well as the modeling of a TSI fed six‐phase BDCM drive are developed. Then, a dedicated control strategy of such a drive is synthesized. Finally, a case study is simulated considering both transient behaviour during the start‐up of the BDCM as well as a steady‐state one under healthy and faulty operations.

Findings

It has been found that the 60‐electrical degree shift between the six phases of the BDCM makes it simple to achieve its operating sequences with its armature fed by a TSI, considering a suitable anti‐parallel connection of the six phases.

Practical implications

Crucial cost benefits associated with improved compactness, reliability, and fault‐tolerance capability could be gained thanks to the integration of TSI fed six‐phase BDCM drives in large‐scale production industries, such as the automotive one.

Originality/value

The paper proposes an analysis of the operating sequences as well as the fault‐tolerance capability of TSI fed six‐phase BDCM drives.

Citation

Ben Rhouma, A. and Masmoudi, A. (2012), "Delta‐inverter fed fractional‐slot six‐phase brushless DC motors: Analysis, control, and fault‐tolerance capability", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 31 No. 1, pp. 154-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641211184887