Multi-phase induction motor drive system and method

Abstract

A multiphase induction motor system is disclosed. The system comprises a motor having at least five phases and comprising a stator and a rotor. For each phase, the motor receives a command current to power the motor, where the command current has a fundamental frequency. A processor determines, for each phase, at least one harmonic component of a signal indicative of the fundamental frequency, generates a command current from the harmonic component and the fundamental frequency, and supplies the command current to the stator. A method for operating a multiphase induction motor system is disclosed. A first command current is supplied to a motor having at least five phases, where the first command current powers the motor. The first command current has a fundamental frequency, and the motor comprises a stator and a rotor. For each phase, at least one harmonic component of a signal indicative of the fundamental frequency is determined. A second command current is generated from the harmonic component and the fundamental frequency. The second command current is supplied to the stator.