Analysis and simulation of a high-speed two-phase AC drive for aerospace applications

The majority of aerospace high-speed AC drives are high energy density electric motors that employ small diameter and long axial length. These motors are supplied from a three-phase, 400 Hz aircraft supply. Their construction is either a two-pole or a four-pole design using a three-phase stator winding. The paper suggests an alternative drive based on a novel form of two-phase inverter-fed induction motor with magnetic bearings providing the rotor support. The paper develops theoretical equations which model the performance of the two-phase drive and illustrates how the performance can be simulated using numerical methods. A comparison of simulated and experimental results is presented which demonstrates excellent correlation. The benefits of using the two-phase drive for aerospace high-speed applications are discussed and the added advantages of using magnetic bearings are also presented. Since electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is an important requirement for aerospace drives the results achieved for the two-phase drive substantiate its suitability in this application area