Chapter 2

The Six Phase Motor Magnetic Field

In conventional induction motors, sinusoidal flux density distribution around the
machine air gap periphery is generally assumed to simplify machine analysis. .
However, this generic assumption does not hold in all cases but depends mainly on
the winding layout. As mentioned before, one of the most important merits of
multiphase windings is their ability to produce a high quality flux distribution with
less harmonic contents, which in turn minimizes induced torque ripple.
In this chapter, the magneto motive force MMF of a six-phase winding is
illustrated and compared with that of a conventional three-phase winding layout. This
comparison is made for both symmetrical and asymmetrical six-phase winding. The
harmonic spectrum is also used to investigate the effect of increasing the number of
phase on the quality of the air-gap flux distribution.

2.1 MMF of Distributed Winding

2.2.1 MMF of a Distributed Three-phase Winding
The MMF distribution along the airgap periphery depends on the winding
layout and the exciting current. The effect of winding distribution has changed the
shape of the MMF wave, from normal sinusoidal to stepped sinusoidal. The following
figure represent the MMF produced by single N turns coil carrying current i Spans
180o elec.

Figure 2.1

CHAPTER 2

THE SIX PHASE MOTOR MAGNETIC FIELD

The MMF of the distributed winding is the summation of coils placed in several slots
which produce MMF closer to sinusoidal with less harmonic contents.

Figure 2.2
In order to obtain a truly sinusoidal MMF in the airgap, the number of slots
has to infinitely large and conductors are sinusoidally distributed in the slots.
Practically, the numbers of slots are limited & it is a lot easier to place the same
number of conductors in a slot so, Sinusoidal flux density distribution around the
airgap is difficult to achieve. As a result to field harmonics, the principal torque
component developed with torque harmonics components in additions and that
produce speed disturbance and mechanical vibrations.

2.2.2 MMF Distribution of Six-Phase Winding

The six phase induction motor winding consist of two three phase groups
which can be separated by 60 electrical degree -symmetry six phase machine- or 30
electrical degree which called asymmetry six phase machine as the angular distance
between adjacent phases are not the same . And the main Reason of that is to reduce
the fifth and the seventh harmonic.

Figure 2.3
2

CHAPTER 2

THE SIX PHASE MOTOR MAGNETIC FIELD

To verify that asymmetry winding in six phase motor improving the MMF
distribution around the air gap a MATLAB script, given in the appendix, was used to
simulate the magnetic field of 6 pole machine with 36 slots. Comparison was made
between three phase, symmetrical six phases and asymmetrical six phase winding by
applying FFT analysis in each case.
The MMF distributions for the three cases are shown in Figure (2.4). Among different
cases, it is clear that the asymmetrical six-phase case gives the best MMF distribution.
To highlight this improvement, the Fourier components of the MMF distributions for
the three cases are given in. Table (2.1) summarizes the simulation results for the
three cases. the results declare that the MMF distribution around the air gap in both
three phase winding and six phase symmetry winding are almost the same Figure(2.5),
but it is a massive reduction in the 5th and 7th harmonics -almost quarter- with
improving the THD of the field in case of asymmetry winding Figure(2.6) Which
improving the motor performance with higher principal torque component, less
vibrations, lower core losses and protecting the motor from suffering crawling at low
speed due to the high ratio of 5th and 7th harmonics.

Figure(2.4) The produced MMF in the three cases of winding three phase winding, six
phase symmetry winding and six phase asymmetry winding.

CHAPTER 2

THE SIX PHASE MOTOR MAGNETIC FIELD

Figure(2.5) The FFT analysis of three

phase winding and six phase symmetry
winding

Figure(2.5) The FFT analysis of six phase

asymmetry winding

Table (2.1) shows Comparison between three phase winding, six phase symmetry
winding and six phase asymmetry winding:
Harmonic order

Three phase winding

Symmetry winding

Fundamental peak
3
5
7
9
11
13
THD

208.8
0.11 %
5.42 %
3.76 %
0.11 %
9.1 %
7.61 %
16.26 %

208.6
0.0 %
5.45 %
3.73 %
0.0 %
9.03 %
7.68 %
16.24 %

Asymmetry
winding
201.5
0.06 %
1.46 % (Lowest)
0.99 % (Lowest)
0.06 %
9.09 %
7.62 %
14.68 %

2.2 Conclusion
The asymmetry six phase winding produce MMF with lower harmonic
content especially the 5th and 7th harmonics which improve the motor performance
with lower speed disturbance and mechanical vibrations.