On the Modeling and Design of Dual-Stator Windings to Minimize Circulating Harmonic Currents for VSI Fed AC Machines

The major drawback of usual dual-stator ac machines, when supplied by a voltage-source inverter (VSI), is the occurrence of extra harmonic currents. These extra currents circulate only in the stator windings and cause additional losses. This paper deals with the modeling and design of dual-stator winding ac machines for safe operation with a VSI. A new reference frame model for a dual-stator induction machine (DSIM), including mutual leakage coupling, is proposed. This model allows us to highlight the previously mentioned circulating harmonic currents. The leakage inductance associated with these harmonics is shown to have quite a small value, highly depending on the coil pitch. It is also shown that full pitch is required, and that special slot shape designs should be investigated, to limit the magnitude of circulating currents. Experimental results on a prototype of a DSIM are presented and they show a very good correlation with theoretical curves.