Six-Phase Machine Neutral Reconfiguration Under Phase Faults
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Solution Overview
Problem
Six-phase AC machines face significant torque loss and operational challenges when one or more phases experience a fault, as existing techniques fail to effectively utilize the remaining phases to maintain optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A controller configures the six-phase machine into groups with neutral connections, allowing for the formation of a common neutral connection to operate the machine as a five-phase or four-phase system, using fault detection to generate a modified magnetomotive force and maintain torque output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the six-phase machine operates with one or more failed phases using traditional control methods, then the machine stops operating or experiences significant torque loss, but the patent combines neutral connections to continue operation with reduced torque loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first neutral connection and second neutral connection into a common neutral connection when a phase fault is detected. This merging allows the controller to redistribute currents among the remaining healthy phases, enabling continued operation of the six-phase machine even with one or more failed phases, thereby improving fault tolerance while maintaining acceptable torque output
2Reliability
If the controller combines neutral connections to maintain operation during faults, then fault tolerance improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control strategy where the controller monitors phase health status and adaptively changes the neutral connection configuration. When no faults are present, the system operates with separate neutral connections for optimal performance. When faults are detected, the controller dynamically switches to combining neutral connections, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level based on operational conditions
3Productivity
If the machine operates as a five-phase or four-phase system after fault, then continued operation is enabled, but the performance compared to full six-phase operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical configuration parameters by combining neutral connections when phase faults occur. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a six-phase configuration to an effective five-phase or four-phase operation, redistributing currents to maximize the utilization of remaining healthy phases and minimize torque performance degradation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the six-phase machine to continue operating with reduced torque loss by utilizing unaffected phases, enhancing fault tolerance and maintaining performance even under single or dual phase faults.
Implementation Method 1
providing a current to generate a modified magnetomotive force to approximate a magnetomotive force that was generated by the six-phase machine before the occurrence of the fault
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a multi-phase electric machine includes operating a six-phase machine with six phases that are configured into a first group having a first neutral connection and a second group having a second neutral connection. The method also includes determining whether at least one of the six phases is experiencing a fault. In response to the determining, the method includes combining the first and second neutral connections to form a common neutral connection to continue operating the six-phase machine by using the remaining phase not experiencing the fault.