Evaluation of a vector controlled induction motor drive using the dynamic magnetic circuit model

This paper describes the use of a detailed magnetic computational model of an induction motor to analyse its behaviour under vector control. In particular, the influence of saturation of both the main and leakage flux paths is considered, as is the effect of rotor skew. Simulation and experimental results with a standard vector controller indicate a significant cross coupling effect due to skew, which reduces airgap flux and torque/amp. This could explain why such drives can be difficult to control at rated conditions, on the threshold of field weakening operation.