Development of fault-tolerant electric motors for small electric vehicles

Abstract

This work presents the 2D models development process and the performance comparison of IPM machine and FSPM machine under both normal and abnormal operation condition. The aim of this dissertation is to pick the model that better fit the needs for the safety operation of low-power electrical vehicle considering the carbon emission reduction goal of Singapore. Two types of machines are investigated because of their good features in efficiency, power density and torque density aspects. The fault-tolerant designs include fractional slot concentrated winding, dual three-phase winding and proper combination of slot and pole number. The simulation results under both normal condition, inter-turn fault condition and open circuit fault condition reveal that the IPM machine with six phases fit the need better as it can provide larger and more stable torque in normal operation and less affected voltage and torque during fault.