Analysis and Tests of a Dual Three-Phase 12-slot 10-pole Permanent Magnet Motor

Abstract—In order to increase the fault tolerance of a motor drive, multiphase systems are adopted. Since custom solutions are expensive, machines with dual three-phase windings supplied by two parallel converters seem to be more convenient. In the event of a fault, one of the two three-phase windings (the faulty winding) is disconnected, and the motor is operated by means of the healthy winding only. A fractional-slot permanent-magnet (PM) motor with 12 slots and 10 poles is considered with two different rotor topologies: the interior PM (IPM) rotor and the surface-mounted PM rotor. Various winding configurations of dual three-phase windings are taken into account, comparing average torque, torque ripple, mutual coupling among phases, overload capability, and short-circuit behavior. Considerations are given regarding the winding arrangements so as to avoid excessive torque ripple and unbalanced radial forces in faulty operating con- ditions. An IPM motor prototype has been built, and experimental results are carried out in order to verify the numerical predictions.