Detection of Multiple Open Faults in Variable Phase-Pole Machines based on Harmonic Plane Decomposition

Abstract

Multiphase electrical machine are inherently true fault tolerant, which is a key difference as compared to conventional three-phase machines. The subgroup of variable phase-pole machines have the ability to change phase-pole configurations only through current control. Due to the higher availability and simpler construction, three-phase voltage source inverters modules are often used for multiphase electrical machines. While many approaches exist for one single open-phase fault, this paper proposes an open-fault detection method capable to detect the failure of an entire three-phase module for variable phase-pole machines. It is an extension to the harmonic-planedecomposition fault detection analyzing the instantaneous space harmonic content of the current distribution. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.