Parameter Estimation of Multiphase Machines Applicable to Variable Phase-Pole Machines

Variable phase-pole machines are envisioned in applications requiring a large torque-speed operating area. The control of these machines relies on accurate models and parameters but research on parameter identification methods is scarce. This paper presents an offline parameter-identification method for variable phase-pole machines adopting a harmonic-plane decomposition model. The method employs standard tests with single-frequency excitation in multiple pole configurations and uses the results to minimize a constrained, regularized weighted least-squares problem. Good agreement is exhibited in simulations when comparing a harmonic-plane decomposition model of a variable phase-pole machine using the inferred parameters to a benchmark vector-space decomposition model implementing parameters identified in the standard tests. The paper emphasizes the importance of performing measurements in multiple pole configurations and weighing these measurements appropriately to render an accurate set of parameters.