Determination of correction coefficients of the slot leakage inductance for multi‐phase machines

Abstract

PurposeThe part of the stator leakage inductance whose quantity changes with the coil pitch is the slot leakage inductance. The purpose of this paper is to determine an analytical expression which accounts for various slot shapes and the coil pitch change. This approach contrasts with the standard one, in which the same characteristics are inaccurately assumed for each slot shape. A further advantage of the proposed analytical expression is that it can also be used to model the slot leakage inductance for different phase numbers.Design/methodology/approachFrom the calculated coefficients of a slot by the Finite Element Method (FEM), the characteristics of the slot leakage coefficients are determined by an analytical expression. This helps one to study the connection between the slot shape types and the characteristics of slot leakage coefficients for different phase numbers.FindingsThe coefficients, which describe the change of slot leakage, are not the same for every slot type. These inaccuracies can result in deviation from the presented values in the classical literature.Originality/valueBy use of parameters, gained from the FEM calculation of a slot, the characteristics of the slot leakage coefficient can be determined as the function of winding pitch for different phase numbers by an analytical expression. Good accuracy of the analytical method is verified by the determination of the characteristics from the measurement of the two‐, three‐ and six‐phase windings and by the finite element calculations. Beside the speed of the process, it gives an overview about the connection between the slot shape and the coefficients.