Selecting an optimum number of system phases for an integrated, fault tolerant permanent magnet machine and drive

Aerospace systems require high power density as well as high availability. An integrated permanent magnet machine and drive has been considered. System integration aids achieving high power density in aerospace applications whereas fault tolerance increases availability, mostly by increasing system phase count. This increase in the number of system phases has certain, differing effects on various elements of the design. To facilitate fault tolerance, unity inductance is required, which is also taken into account in the analysis. Key system losses are considered. By analyzing these key system design elements in the electrical machine and drive, an optimal phase count can be derived.