This work describes the development of a multiphase inverter that can operate as a platform for driving and testing electrical machines with up to 15 phases, in addition, it can operate with a fundamental frequency of up to 1 kHz and a switching frequency of 100 kHz. Therefore, a multiphase voltage source inverter (VSI) topology using SiC MOSFETs and approved components for automotive applications was designed and constructed. The developed platform is composed of independent power modules and a control module with technology that uses only a single microcontroller capable of generating all signals with pulse width modulation (PWM). To validate the inverter, experimental tests were carried out with a YASA (Yokeless and Segmented Armature) machine that can operate with 3, 5, or 15 phases and also with multistar connections, one with three independent systems of five phases and another with five independent three-phase systems. Experimental results show that the inverter is capable of driving and testing multiphase machines with a wide variety of electrical connections using high fundamental and carrier frequencies. Therefore, the developed platform is an important tool that allows the testing of multiphase and multi-star electrical machines operating under the most diverse configurations and operating conditions.

This work addresses the dynamic modeling and the drive of a multiphase YASA-type electric machine for use within electric traction. The main technical aspects of the machine, which can be fed with three or five phases depending on the electrical connection of its windings, are presented. The dynamic model of the machine for the two different electrical connections (three or five phases) is given in the synchronous reference frame and the parameters of the lumped model are obtained through experimental tests. In order to consider the vehicular application, standard driving cycles are used to serve as a reference for the speed whereas vehicular dynamics are considered to define the load torque to be developed by the machine. Afterward, field orientation control (FOC) is implemented for the machine to operate with three or five phases and simulations were carried out to show that the dynamic behavior is similar in both cases. Experimental tests validated the model and the FOC for the machine with both electrical connections. In addition, the reference curves of the driving cycle were satisfactorily followed, indicating the possibility of using the multiphase YASA machine with the control developed in vehicular traction applications.