Fault-tolerant current predictive control of five-phase induction motor drives with an open phase

Multiphase induction motor drives have recently gained attention in traction applications where high overall system reliability and a reduction in the total power per phase are required. The additional phases compared to standard three-phase drives allow the creation of a rotating flux even in fault conditions, guaranteeing that the system continues operating without torque ripple, vibrations and noise. The control technique in post-fault situation must ensure ripple-free operation of the machine reducing the achievable torque to maintain the stator currents within rated values. This paper details the modifications in a predictive control scheme to allow post-fault operation of the five-phase drive when one phase is open. Simulation results are provided to confirm the ability of the modified control scheme to operate in fault-tolerant mode with limited currents, maximum torque and low torque ripples.