Loss Minimization Control of an Electronic Pole Changing 4-pole/2-pole Induction Motor

Abstract

A pole changing motor can operate in a dual pole configuration for high torque during low-speed operation with a higher pole configuration and an enhanced constant power speed region at higher speeds with a lower pole configuration. In these motors, electronic pole changing is accomplished by changing the currents in certain windings by using an inverter. Although pole-changing transition on the fly has been explored in literature, the specifics as to when a pole change is required is yet to be established. This paper discusses the control of a 4-pole/2-pole induction motor where the controller initiates a pole change from one pole configuration to another to minimize the power loss of the motor when the operating region overlaps for the two pole configurations. Results from Simulink based on parameters extracted from Motor-CAD are provided to validate the control method. The pole changing control results demonstrate a smooth torque transition while minimizing the motor loss. The open loop experimental results are also given.