A Synchronous Current Control Scheme for Multiphase Induction Motor Drives

Rotor-flux-oriented control of multiphase induction machines with sinusoidal magnetomotive force (MMF) distribution can be realized theoretically by using only two current controllers in the synchronous reference frame. In practice, however, this is inadequate, as shown in this paper using experimental results collected from five-phase induction motor drive laboratory prototypes. Various asymmetries of the machine and non ideal nature of the inverter necessitate an appropriate modification of the current control scheme in the rotating reference frame. Such a modified current control scheme is developed in this paper, and its ability to provide operation of the machine with a practically perfectly sinusoidal and balanced system of five-phase currents is demonstrated experimentally.