Electric Machines with Adaptive Surge Impedance - Control Scheme and Hardware Tests
Abstract
Electric machines are used in various applications, from small portable electric devices, drones, and robots to electric transportat,ion. In more electric transportation, the powertrain contains an electric machine fed by a drive through a power cable. Theoreticall,y, a mismatch between the surge impedance of the cable and the electric machine in these systems makes reflected waves, leading to t,he high-frequency voltage spikes at the machine terminals. Furthermore, medium- and high-voltage drives are typically desired to ach,ieve a higher power density of more electric powertrains but make the voltage stress on electric machine insulation a severe problem,. Modern drives equipped with modern wide-bandgap-based switches, applied for more compactness and higher efficiency, make the overv,oltage issue a problem even for short-length cables.In this collaborative effort, a novel electric machine design with adaptive impe,dance is designed and tested for electric propulsion systems. In this design, the surge impedance of the machine is controlled by sm,all electronic circuits embedded in each phase of the machine structure. The embedded electronic circuits are self-powered and auton,omously controlled to prevent the deterioration of the winding insulation of the machine. The University Kentucky team develops the,self-powered circuit, and the Kansas State University team develops the adaptive control scheme for the circuit, whereas both teams,will test and analyze the performance of the proposed technology on permanent magnet machines. This developed concept will be verifi,ed in both multi-physics simulations and lab-scale prototype experiments.The reliability of the overall electric propulsion systems,will be significantly improved using the proposed technology. The cable length restriction will be unconcerned, leading to more flex,ibility for the layout of electric propulsion systems. The proposed technology will significantly benefit the electric propulsion sy,stems of future-generation electric ships and airplanes by providing flexibility on the layout of electric propulsion systems and al,lowing ultra-fast switching drives. This research has a high potential to improve the competitiveness of the American motor-drive ma,nufacturers in the global market, and accordingly, will benefit the national defense and the US economy.Approved for Public Release
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212099
Entities
People
- Behrooz Mirafzal
Organizations
- Kansas State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy