This paper propose a fault detection algorithm for stator inter-turn faults (SITFs), dynamic eccentricity faults (DEFs), and hybrid faults (a combination of SITF and DEF) in a permanent magnet (PM) brushless dc motor. We analyzed specific frequency patterns of the stator input current to diagnosis and distinguish the fault types. First, we developed a two-dimensional (2-D) finite element method (FEM) program using a system matrix, and then we confirmed additional specific frequency patterns of the input current by a fast Fourier transform. Finally, specific frequency patterns for each fault type were verified by experimental results.

This study proposes the shaft voltage mitigation method according to change in parasitic capacitances of a permanent magnet synchronous motor. To consider the shaft voltage reduction in the initial motor design process without any filter, the parasitic capacitances affecting the shaft voltage are calculated using the motor geometry parameters. Then, the shaft voltage is analyzed according to change in parasitic capacitances using the equivalent circuit model and the torque characteristic is also analyzed to effectively mitigate the shaft voltage. As a result, the rotor-to-winding is determined as an appropriate parameter to mitigate the shaft voltage among the parasitic capacitances, because it affects the shaft voltage and does not affect the output torque. Finally, the shaft voltage mitigation method according to variation of rotor-to-winding capacitance is verified by experiment.

This paper proposes a diagnosis technique algorithm for a brushless dc motors under a stator inter-turn fault (ITF) condition using input impedance. The algorithm has early detection and various speed-range detection advantages. To early and accurately detect the ITF, the rotating speed, input current, voltage, resistance, and inductance must be analyzed. Therefore, we choose the input impedance as the detection factor because it includes all these factors. In this paper, the fault-detection system works without requiring a fast Fourier transform and the calculation of the negative-sequence impedance from the comparison of the measured impedance with the database impedance. The proposed technique was verified by the simulation and experiment.

In this paper, the characteristics of brushless dc (BLDC) motors were compared and analyzed according to the types and control methods under the inter-turn fault (ITF) condition. The shorted windings produced by the ITF were modeled by the winding function theory (WFT) based on the distributed constant circuit method. We also introduced the inductance calculated by the WFT to the voltage equation and analyzed the effect of the ITF using the characteristics of the input and output parameters. The increase rate of torque ripple, increase rate of input current, and the circulating current of the surface permanent-magnet (PM) and interior PM motors under healthy and ITF conditions were compared to determine which motor type is more efficient in preventing the ITF. We also analyzed the fault characteristics by applying the advanced angle control. In this paper, the analysis results are validated by the finite-element method and experiments.

Fast switching and common-mode voltage of the space vector pulse-width modulation inverter output create several parasitic capacitances according to the geometry of the motor. The windings emit the electric and magnetic flux inside of the motor. They create capacitance links and electromotive force (EMF) in the shaft, respectively. Those capacitance links and EMF generate a current through two bearings of the shaft and directly reduces the bearing lifetime. In this study, we propose a new design of equivalent circuit, taking into account all parasitic capacitor components.

Common-mode voltage by switching pattern of space vector pulse width modulation excites parasitic capacitance coupling in interior permanent magnet synchronous motors, and it finally causes a shaft-to-frame voltage. Among all parasitic capacitances, winding-to-rotor parasitic capacitance has the greatest effect on the shaft-to-frame voltage, which means the winding-to-rotor parasitic capacitance must be suppressed for noticeable mitigation of the shaft-to-frame voltage. This paper proposes two suppression methods by changing the stator winding-to-rotor and end winding-to-rotor capacitances. First, modified winding shape is utilized for the suppression of stator winding-to-rotor capacitance. Second, a copper shield is applied to suppress the end winding-to-rotor parasitic capacitance. Finally, both methods are applied together to mitigate the effect of the stator winding-to-rotor and end winding-to-rotor capacitances on the shaft-to-frame voltage.