Experimental Tests of Dual Three-Phase Synchronous Reluctance Motor under Half-Control Mode

An 8-pole 48-slot dual three-phase synchronous reluctance motor has been tested under half control mode, that is, when only a single three-phase system is supplied while the other is not operating. Changing the terminal connections of the motor prototype available, two different winding configurations have been tested. This allows their performances to be experimentally compared. At first, the cross coupling effect between the axis in dq reference is analyzed, by measuring the flux linkages for different current combinations. The torque characteristics are compared in terms of torque map, maximum torque capability and torque ripple. Then the finite element analysis has been used to explain the experimental results and to investigate the radial forces on the rotor. Finally, the impact of a lack of symmetry between the two three-phase system is investigated.