Torque prediction using the flux-MMF diagram in AC, DC, and reluctance motors

This paper uses the flux-MMF diagram to compare and contrast the torque production mechanism in seven common types of electric motor. The flux-MMF diagram is a generalized version of the flux-linkage versus current (ψ-i) diagram for switched-reluctance motors. It is illustrated for switched-reluctance, synchronous-reluctance, induction, brushless AC, brushless DC, interior PM and commutator motors. The calculated flux-MMF diagrams for motors with the same electromagnetic volume, airgap, slotfill, and total copper loss are shown and are used to compare the low-speed torque and torque ripple performance. The motor designs used were reasonably optimized using a combination of commercially available motor CAD packages and finite-element analysis

High frequency losses in induction motors, part 2

The following subject areas are covered: high frequency losses in induction motors; stray losses in induction motors; and high frequency time harmonic losses in induction motors

Analysis and design of AC induction motors with squirrel cage rotors

The traditional approach to modelling the AC induction motor revolves around the well-known equivalent T circuit model. In this approach, the direct connection from geometry to performance is suppressed. For better understanding of magnetic, electrical, and thermal behaviors, three lumped models based on the actual geometry are developed in this dissertation. Based on these lumped models, an iterative design model is also developed. In order to analyze and design induction motors, the relationships of basic motor variables to motor performance must be known. For determining the relationships, three new mathematical lumped models are developed. The magnetic model describes flux behavior. The electrical model, which is similar to the equivalent circuit model, is used to derive simple closed-form expressions of performance. The thermal model describes the effect of heat generation on temperature. The traditional approach of modelling the induction motor using the finite element analysis (FEA) is through the equivalent circuit model. Three new FEA methods are developed in this dissertation to calculate motor performance directly from the finite element field solution. The equivalent circuit model is no longer needed. The developed lumped models and FEA methods are applied to two commercial induction motors. Calculated performance is shown to closely match experimental results. The developed iterative design model is then utilized to design an induction motor for desired requirements. The motor is fabricated and calculated performance is also shown to closely match the experimental results

Modelling and simulation of induction motors for variable speed drives, with special reference to deep bar and saturation effects.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.Variable speed motors are achieved by varying the voltage of a DC machine or by varying the frequency of an AC machine, the former method being the simpler of the two. DC motors have the major disadvantage of brushes and commutators which require regular downtime for maintenance, a fact already recognised by Tesla [1] in 1888. Thus the AC motor, in particular the induction motor, is of a more rugged design and does not suffer from the commutator problem of its DC counterpart. Recent advances in the technology of the power electronics used to supply a variable frequency to the motor has allowed the induction motor to be a viable alternative to the DC motor in variable speed applications. Problems have been encountered in industry when an inverter is injudiciously selected to be combined with a motor. Such problems were highlighted by difficulties being experienced with some 400 kW inverter drives. The inverters had been bought from one supplier and the motors from another. When this system was coupled together, there was excessive heating in the motors and the overall plant was only able to operate well below its capacity, incurring a substantial weekly loss of income. The motor and inverter were evidently incompatible, and since the inverter could not be modified, the motor was redesigned to make it less susceptible to the harmonics present in the inverter waveform, These problems have led to the development of a variable speed drive simulation package at the University for use by the local industry which can accurately model the complete system of inverter, motor and its associated load. It is envisaged that this package could be used to predict the performance of a drive system and highlight problems that may occur. To be able to do this, an accurate model of the motor is required. This investigation gives the development of an induction motor model which is suitable . for variable speed drive system simulations. The model accounts for the deep bar effect by using lumped parameter circuits and includes saturation of the leakage paths using only information which is typically available from motor design data. A complete analysis is given of the different lumped parameter models and their suitability for use in this application. The thesis also shows the utilisation of the deep bar model to simulate reswitching transients and double cage motors. The author hopes that the models used in the simulation package wallow industry to predict problems prior to their occurrence, alter the designs and thereby avoid costly remanufacture of the system.Andrew Chakane 201

Multiphase induction motor drives - a technology status review

The area of multiphase variable-speed motor drives in general and multiphase induction motor drives in particular has experienced a substantial growth since the beginning of this century. Research has been conducted worldwide and numerous interesting developments have been reported in the literature. An attempt is made to provide a detailed overview of the current state-of-the-art in this area. The elaborated aspects include advantages of multiphase induction machines, modelling of multiphase induction machines, basic vector control and direct torque control schemes and PWM control of multiphase voltage source inverters. The authors also provide a detailed survey of the control strategies for five-phase and asymmetrical six-phase induction motor drives, as well as an overview of the approaches to the design of fault tolerant strategies for post-fault drive operation, and a discussion of multiphase multi-motor drives with single inverter supply. Experimental results, collected from various multiphase induction motor drive laboratory rigs, are also included to facilitate the understanding of the drive operatio

Performance improvement of permanent magnet ac motors

Multi-phase motors have several advantages over the traditional three-phase motors. In this study, the additional degrees of freedom available in five-phase permanent magnet motors have been used for three purposes: 1) enhancing the torque producing capability of the motor, 2) improving the reliability of the system, and 3) better adjusting of the torque and flux linkages of the five-phase direct torque controlled system. 1) Due to the fact that space and time harmonics of the same orders will contribute positively to output torque, a five-phase permanent magnet motor with quasi-rectangular back-EMF waveform is supplied with combined fundamental and third harmonic of currents. For modeling and analysis of the motor a 0 3 3 1 1 q d q d frame of reference is defined where 1 1q d rotates at the synchronous speed and 3 3q d rotates at the three times synchronous speed. Based on the mathematical model in the 0 3 3 1 1 q d q d frame of reference, it is shown that this system while having a higher torque density with respect to a conventional permanent magnet synchronous machine, is also compatible with vector control algorithm. 2) A resilient current control of the five-phase permanent motor with both sinusoidal and trapezoidal back-EMF waveforms under asymmetrical fault condition is proposed. In this scheme, the stator MMF is kept unchanged during healthy and faulty condition. Therefore, the five-phase permanent magnet motor operates continuously and steadily without additional hardware and just by modifying the control algorithm in case of loss of up to two phases. The feature is of major importance in some specific applications where high reliability is required. 3) High torque and flux ripple are the major drawbacks of a three-phase direct torque controlled system. The number of space voltage vectors directly influences the performance of DTC system. A five-phase drive, while benefiting from other advantages of high order phase drives, has inherently 32 space voltage vectors which permits better flexibility in selecting the switching states and finer adjustment of flux and torque. A sensorless direct torque control of five-phase permanent magnet motor is implemented. Speed information is obtained based on the position of stator flux linkages and load angle. Experiments have been conducted on a 5kW five-phase surface mount permanent magnet motor and a 3kW five-phase interior permanent magnet motor by using TMS320C32 DSP. The results obtained are consistent with theoretical studies and simulation analysis, which further demonstrate the feasibility and practical significance of the five-phase permanent magnet motor drives

Modelling and analysis of asynchronous and synchronous torques in split-phase induction machines

In this thesis, the nature of asynchronous and synchronous torques in a split-phase induction machine is investigated and quantified. The equivalent circuit for this type of machine is derived using the rotating field theory. It is extended to include harmonic effects. Using this model, winding harmonics and permeance harmonics may be calculated independently of each other so that the model can be used to analyse asynchronous torques from winding harmonics as well as synchronous torques from permeance harmonics. These are calculated separately. The asynchronous torques appear as perturbations in the steady-state torque-speed curve while the synchronous torques only appear at specific speeds. The synchronous torques are superimposed onto the torque-speed curves to model both effects together. The model predictions are compared against test results using purpose-built experimental machines together with production machines. These have varying rotor bar number and skew. Different methods are used to assess the synchronous torques. It is found that measuring synchronous locking torque is not a straightforward matter; however, reasonable agreement is found between calculation and measurement. The work highlights the need for the correct choice of stator and rotor slot numbers together with the effect skew has on reducing the synchronous and asynchronous locking torques