Induction machine/Syn-Rel two-motor five-phase series-connected drive

Multimotor drives, based on utilization of multiphase machines, have been proposed recently. Independent vector control of all the machines of the group can be achieved while using a single multiphase voltage source inverter supply, provided that the stator windings are connected in series in an appropriate manner. The concept is applicable to any system phase number greater than or equal to five. Detailed theoretical and simulation studies have been reported for multiphase multimotor drive configurations of this type and it has been suggested that the concept is valid regardless of the type of ac machines. This paper examines operation of such a drive system when a five-phase induction machine is connected in series with a five-phase synchronous reluctance machine and provides detailed experimental verification of the possibility of independent control of the two-motor drive comprising five-phase motors of different types. The operating principles of the drive system are at first reviewed and a brief description of the experimental system is then given. An extensive presentation of experimental results, collected from a laboratory setup, is further provided. It is shown that fully independent and decoupled vector control of the two machines results, although a single supply source is used.