Transient Analysis and Control Strategies for a Quad-Inverter Multiphase Multilevel Motor Drive in Faulty Conditions

In this paper, post-fault-tolerant control strategies for quad-inverter multiphase-multilevel induction motor drives are investigated. More specifically, four standard two-level three-phase VSIs (voltage source inverters) supplying the open-end windings of a dual three-phase induction motor is considered, quadrupling the power capability of a single VSI with given voltage and current ratings. In healthy conditions, the control algorithm is able to generate multi-level voltage waveforms, equivalent to the ones of a three-level inverter and to share the total motor power among the four dc sources in each switching period. This sharing capability is investigated under post-fault operating conditions, when one VSI must be completely insulated due to a severe failure on it. In this case, the conversion power unit can operate with a reduced power rating by a proper modulation of the remaining three VSIs. The whole ac motor drive has been numerically implemented, and the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies under healthy and post-fault operating conditions have been proved.