Comparative Study of Fault-Tolerant Capability Performance for Three and Five-Phase PMSMs

Abstract

Multi-phase permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) propose an improved
alternative to conventional three-phase PMSMs in faulty conditions. Multi-phase PMSMs
have the ability to minimize the number of disturbances in industrial applications. In this
study, mathematical models under health and fault conditions of three and five-phase PMSMs
are investigated. Moreover, the performance and fault-tolerant capabilities of a five-phase
PMSM are studied and compared to a conventional three-phase PMSM. During single and
double-phase open-circuit fault conditions of the five-phase PMSM, a solution is offered that
maximizes output torque and reduces torque pulsations. Simulation results show superiority
of the five-phase PMSM, in addition to sustaining more fault-tolerant capability than the
conventional three-phase PMSM. Simulation results are carried out using Matlab/Simulink
software.