Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 43, 159-163 (2008)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:2008057

Fault tolerant multiphase electrical drives: the impact of design^*

L2EP ENSAM, 8 boulevard Louis XIV, 59046 Lille, France

Corresponding author: Xavier.Kestelyn@lille.ensam.fr

Received: 28 June 2007
Accepted: 22 February 2008
Published online: 30 April 2008

Abstract

This paper deals with fault tolerant multiphase electrical drives. The quality of the torque of a vector-controlled Permanent Magnet (PM) Synchronous Machine supplied by a multi-leg Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) is examined in normal operation and when one or two phases are open-circuited. It is then deduced that a seven-phase machine is a good compromise allowing high torque-to-volume density and easy control with smooth torque in fault operation. Experimental results confirm the predicted characteristics.