Multi-phase machine current control
A controller for controlling a multi-phase motor is described. The controller may be configured to drive a first virtual multi-phase motor in an active mode and drive a second virtual multi-phase motor in a passive mode. In the active mode, at least a portion of a reference torque is distributed to the first virtual multi-phase motor. In the passive mode, zero torque is distributed to the second virtual multi-phase motor.
1. A controller for controlling a multi-phase motor system that includes a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors, wherein the controller is configured to:
drive a first virtual multi-phase motor in an active mode; and
in response to detecting an error in at least one phase associated with a second virtual multi-phase motor, drive the second virtual multi-phase motor in a passive mode,
wherein driving the first virtual multi-phase motor in the active mode includes distributing at least a portion of a reference torque to the first virtual multi-phase motor,
wherein driving the second virtual multi-phase motor in the passive mode includes distributing zero torque to the second virtual multi-phase motor.
2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein, in the active mode, each phase of the first virtual multi-phase motor is operational.
3. The controller of claim 1 , wherein, in the passive mode, at least one phase of the second virtual multi-phase motor is not operational.
4. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to drive a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in an active mode, wherein driving a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in an active mode includes distributing the reference torque equally between each of the plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in the active mode.
5. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to detect harmonics in the multi-phase motor system.
6. The controller of claim 5 , wherein the controller is further configured to suppress the harmonics.
7. The controller of claim 5 , wherein detecting the harmonics in the multi-phase motor system includes measuring a phase current and a rotor position.
8. A method for controlling a multi-phase motor system that includes a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors, the method comprising:
driving a first virtual multi-phase motor in an active mode; and
in response to detecting an error in at least one phase associated with a second virtual multi-phase motor, driving the second virtual multi-phase motor in a passive mode,
wherein driving the first virtual multi-phase motor in the active mode includes distributing at least a portion of a reference torque to the first virtual multi-phase motor,
wherein driving the second virtual multi-phase motor in the passive mode includes distributing zero torque to the second virtual multi-phase motor.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein, in the active mode, each phase of the first virtual multi-phase motor is operational.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein, in the passive mode, at least one phase of the second virtual multi-phase motor is not operational.
11. The method of claim 8 , further comprising driving a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in an active mode, wherein driving a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in an active mode includes distributing the reference torque equally between each of the plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in the active mode.
12. The method of claim 8 , further comprising detecting harmonics in the multi-phase motor system.
13. The method of claim 12 , further comprising suppressing the harmonics.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein detecting the harmonics in the multi-phase motor system includes measuring a phase current and a rotor position.
15. A system comprising:
a multi-phase motor system that includes a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors; and
a controller for controlling the multi-phase motor system, wherein the controller is configured to:
drive a first virtual multi-phase motor in an active mode; and
in response to detecting an error in at least one phase associated with a second virtual multi-phase motor, drive the second virtual multi-phase motor in a passive mode,
wherein driving the first virtual multi-phase motor in the active mode includes distributing at least a portion of a reference torque to the first virtual multi-phase motor,
wherein driving the second virtual multi-phase motor in the passive mode includes distributing zero torque to the second virtual multi-phase motor.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein, in the active mode, each phase of the first virtual multi-phase motor is operational.
17. The system of claim 15 , wherein, in the passive mode, at least one phase of the second virtual multi-phase motor is not operational.
18. The system of claim 15 , wherein the controller is further configured to drive a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in an active mode, wherein driving a plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in an active mode includes distributing the reference torque equally between each of the plurality of virtual multi-phase motors in the active mode.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the controller is further configured to detect harmonics in the multi-phase motor system.
20. The system of claim 18 , wherein the controller is further configured to suppress the harmonics.