Modelling and simulation of stator winding inter-turn faults in permanent magnet synchronous motors

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a new model to study inter-turn short circuit faults in a permanent magnet synchronous machine. Design/methodology/approach - The machine is modeled by using classical two-axis theory, and the equations are modified to take into account the stator inter-turn faults. A state space form of the system is presented for dynamic simulations. Findings - The machine model is global and can work in both normal and fault conditions due to a fictitious resistance in the winding circuit. Various simulation results have been presented indicating the fault instant and its corresponding effect. Validation is carried out by transient time finite element simulations. Originality/value - The model can serve as a step towards development of fault detection and diagnosis algorithms.