Effects of high-order space harmonics on the operation of five-phase induction machines under unbalance

The paper addresses the effects of high-order space harmonics on the steady-state performance of five-phase induction machines operating under unbalance. We show that the airgap harmonic fields with orders higher than three, although usually disregarded, can produce a significant increase in the torque pulsation and in the Joule losses. We propose a model based on symmetric components which is used to demonstrate that the field produced by each rotor harmonic current is related to two stator sequence currents. Further, the proposed model allows determining additional losses and harmonic torques produced by airgap harmonic fields with orders higher than three, which up to now have not been addressed elsewhere. As a case study, we applied the model to two five-phase induction machines with different designs and assessed the influence of high space harmonics under operation at steady state with one open phase in the stator. The model has been validated by comparing analytical results with results obtained through finite element analysis. Finally, the model validation was also based on experimental results obtained from tests with two prototypes under many different conditions. •We introduce a new model of five-phase induction machines including space harmonics.•The model describes the steady-state behavior of machines operating under fault.•The model allows estimating joule losses and torque pulsation due to space harmonics.•The validation of the model is based on fem analysis and experimental results.