Performance Analysis of Variable Phase-Pole Induction Machine for Electric Traction Application: Finite Element Method

The design of electric machines for electric traction applications is always very demanding, due to the high-torque requirements at low-speed and high-speed requirements at comparatively low torques. In this context, designs that can stretch the torque-speed map of the machine without compromising other key factors is of great interest. This is why variable phase-pole induction machines have recently been found to be a prospective candidate as powertrain components of electric vehicles. These machines can change the number of phases and magnetic poles during real-time operation through electronic switching, and they are inherently magnet-free. This paper investigates the developed electromagnetic torque and magnetic flux density distribution of a variable phase-pole machine for a traction application. Numerical simulations analyze the machine performance in two different configurations, namely a three-phase/four-pole and a six-phase/two-pole case. The results of this work can be applied to any variable phase-pole machine.