Fault-Tolerant Operation of Delta-Connected Scalar- and Vector-Controlled AC Motor Drives

Operation and analysis of delta-connected ac motor-drive systems under fault-tolerant open-phase mode of operation is introduced in this paper for both scalar- and vector-controlled motor-drive systems. This technique enables the operation of the three-phase motor upon a failure in one of its phases without the need of a special fault-detection algorithm. It is mainly used to significantly mitigate torque pulsations, which are caused by an open-delta configuration in the stator windings. The performance of the fault-tolerant system was verified using a detailed time stepping finite element simulation as well experimental tests for a 5-hp 460-V induction motor-drive system and the results are presented in this paper This paper also compares the operation of this fault-tolerant mode of operation for the cases of scalar-controlled and closed-loop vector-controlled motor-drive systems.