Design and Optimization of a Modular Multiphase Drive for Multiphase Machines

The multiphase machines have the advantages of reduced phase current, a lesser ripple in output, and redundant operation. While the research focuses on the design of high-efficiency motor drives for multiphase machines targeted for future transportation electrification, this paper introduces the design of a modular multiphase drive with lesser volume and better electrical performance. The paper proposes a modular multiphase motor drive design that can be scaled to different power levels, paired with motors having variable numbers of phases, and laid out in various configurations. The modular multiphase drive will be introduced from the perspective of the gate driver, the performance of DC-link capacitors, and the optimization of electrical and thermal parameters for the overall layout. The idea of a multiphase drive system is validated by designing two different drives: a) high current three-phase motor drive and b) equivalent nine-phase motor drive. To develop these drives, commercially available three-phase modules from different vendors were utilized. The final paper will provide detailed design and analysis from the perspective of electrical and thermal performance, together with more experimental results.