A bi-harmonic five-phase SPM machine with low ripple torque for marine propulsion

Abstract

This paper addresses the design of a bi-harmonic five-phase Surface-mounted Permanent Magnet (SPM) machine for marine propulsion. The bi-harmonic characteristic results from the particular 20 slots-8 poles configuration that makes possible high value of third harmonic current injection. Thus the machine performance can be improved in terms of average torque, speed range, losses control and torque quality, this last feature being the scope of the paper. As low ripple torques are wanted at low speed, the magnet layer is defined to reduce the cogging torque and to make third harmonic current injection increasing average torque and reducing pulsating torque in the same time. According to a selection procedure based on the numerical simulations of a high number of machines, it appears that designing the rotor with two identical radially magnetized magnet that cover two-third the pole arc allows to reach this goal. Referring to an equivalent three-phase machine, the torque ripple level of the bi-harmonic five-phase machine is more than three times lower, thus being obtained with a simple control strategy that aims at achieving constant currents in the rotating frames. The time simulations of the drive confirm the significant reduction of the speed oscillation, especially at low speed.