Flexible control for a six-phase machine
AssigneeCummins Inc.
InventorsAkm Arafat, Bradford K. Palmer, Dakshina S. Murthy-Bellur
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of controlling a multi-phase electric machine includes implementing a first control method to control the operation of a six-phase machine that is configured as a combination of two three-phase machines. The method also includes determining whether a fault exists in the six-phase machine. In response to determining that the fault exists in the six-phase machine, the method includes implementing a second and different control method to control the operation of the six-phase machine.
Claims20
A method for controlling a six-phase machine configured as a combination of two three-phase machines, comprising:
- implementing, by a controller, a first control method to control all six phases in the six-phase machine together, the six-phase machine having a first state and a second state,
- wherein in the first state, a stator of the six-phase machine is configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of a shaft of the six-phase machine, and
- wherein in the second state, the stator is configured to rotate the shaft to provide vehicle torque;
- determining, by the controller, whether a fault exists in the six-phase machine;
- in response to determining that the fault exists in the six-phase machine, implementing, by the controller, a second and different control method to control respective three phases in each of the two three-phase machines individually.
A controller for controlling a six-phase machine configured as a combination of two three-phase machines, comprising:
- a processor;
- and
- a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
- implement a first control method to control all six phases in the six-phase machine together, the six-phase machine having a first state and a second state,
- wherein in the first state, a stator of the six-phase machine is configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of a shaft of the six-phase machine, and
- wherein in the second state, the stator is configured to rotate the shaft to provide vehicle torque;
- determine whether a fault exists in the six-phase machine;
- in response to determining that the fault exists in the six-phase machine, implement a second and different control method to control respective three phases in each of the two three-phase machines individually.
A system, comprising:
- a six-phase machine configured as a combination of two three-phase machines, the six-phase machine having a first state and a second state,
- wherein in the first state, a stator of the six-phase machine is configured to generate electrical energy in response to rotation of a shaft of the six-phase machine, and
- wherein in the second state, the stator is configured to rotate the shaft to provide vehicle torque;
- and
- a controller coupled to the six-phase machine, the controller configured to:
- implement a first control method to control all six phases in the six-phase machine together;
- determine whether a fault exists in the six-phase machine;
- and
- in response to determining that the fault exists in the six-phase machine, implement a second and different control method to control respective three phases in each of the two three-phase machines individually.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.