Short-circuit detection in bifilar electric machines by means of a superimposed signal

An electric machine comprising:

• an arrangement having a stator,
• wherein a rotor is rotatably mounted at the stator, and
• wherein the arrangement comprises:
• a first winding system and a second winding system, wherein at least one electrical conductor of the first winding system and at least one electrical conductor of the second winding system are at least partially wound around a common winding axis and alternate in a direction of the common winding axis;
• an inverter system having a first inverter for the first winding system and a second inverter for the second winding system;
• a control unit configured to:
• provide reference signals to control the first inverter and the second inverter to provide an AC voltage to the respective winding system;
• and superimpose a carrier signal to the reference signal for the first inverter;
• and
• a sensor arranged at the second winding system for sensing an electrical parameter with the second winding system,
• wherein the control unit is further configured to receive sensor signals from the sensor and to detect a fault based on the sensor signals.

An aircraft comprising:

• an electric machine comprising an arrangement having a stator,
• wherein a rotor is rotatably mounted at the stator, and
• wherein the arrangement comprises:
• a first winding system and a second winding system, wherein at least one electrical conductor of the first winding system and at least one electrical conductor of the second winding system are at least partially wound around a common winding axis and alternate in a direction of the common winding axis;
• an inverter system having a first inverter for the first winding system and a second inverter for the second winding system;
• a control unit configured to:
• provide reference signals to control the first inverter and the second inverter to provide an AC voltage to the respective winding system;
• and superimpose a carrier signal to the reference signal for the first inverter;
• and
• a sensor arranged at the second winding system for sensing an electrical parameter with the second winding system,
• wherein the control unit is further configured to receive sensor signals from the sensor and to detect a fault based on the sensor signals.