Asymmetrical Multi-Lane Multi-Phase Motor Drives

Asymmetrical multi-lane multi-phase motor drives are introduced in this paper. There are two conventional symmetrical drive systems for multi-phase motors. First one is modular phase multi-lane drive with single-phase inverters and second one is single-lane multi-leg inverter. While first one has high level of fault-tolerance, second one is a cost-effective solution. New class of drive systems, asymmetrical multi-lane drives, is proposed that provide a complete spectrum of solution for different application. Five-phase motors will be used as an example to explain and clarify this new class of drive systems. Advantages and disadvantages of feasible five-phase asymmetrical designs are discussed and compared with symmetrical drives. Experimental test results are presented for a two-lane asymmetrical drive and compared with a conventional symmetrical drive.