Short-Circuit Fault Detection for a Five-Phase 30-Slot/32-Pole Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine

Since the flux due to permanent magnets (PMs) cannot be turned off in short-circuit condition, the short-circuit fault in permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) is quite devastating. The detection of short-circuit fault is the prerequisite of taking preventive steps. In this paper, an online short-circuit fault detection method which is based on search coil is developed for a five-phase 30-slot/32-pole permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The optimal configuration of search coil is studied with different load conditions and fault-occurring positions considered, further the optimal inserted position is determined. With the parallel strands of windings considered, the performance of the proposed short-circuit fault detection method is evaluated, which provides guidance for the design of the short-circuit fault detection system.