Modeling of Dual Inverter-Fed Split-Phase Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine for Electric Vehicle Traction Application

The quest for efficient, stable, and reliable operation of power devices for electric vehicle traction has intensified over the years for improved performance. To this end, the study on dual inverter-fed split-phase Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (IPMSM) is undertaken in order to authenticate the precise magnetic coupling between the split-phase stator winding sets and also to draw inferences on the improved performance characteristics of the machine over their traditional three-phase counterparts. This paper presents a unique and precise circuit representation of IPMSM with the inclusion of mutual slot leakage coupling inductance between the split-phase stator windings energized by two independent space vector pulse width modulated inverters for full utilization of the limited dc battery bank voltage so that the machine can run at rated volts per hertz value in order to sustain the rated load torque without the machine windings being overheated and also to prevent derating. The dynamic and steady-state equivalent circuits are derived in a unique manner. This configuration has high reliability, high torque and power densities, good efficiency, power supply security, and fault tolerance than traditional three-phase PMSM counterparts. The amplitude of current loading and stress in this scheme is 50% less than their three-phase counterparts as the current is shared between the split-phase IPMSM stator winding sets, thereby making the machine thermally stable and robust. Moreover, the current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) spectrum, speed, and torque ripples of this scheme are also lower than their three-phase counterparts. This configuration shows that the reduction in the current THD spectrum, torque, and speed ripples are 3.19%, 18.16%, and 38.89% respectively, compared to their three-phase counterparts. The results obtained in this split-phase IPMSM by q-d and steady-state analyses are remarkably in good agreement. MATLAB software simulation study proves the efficacy of this configuration.