Pole-Phase Modulation Motor Drives to Extend Torque-Speed Capability for xEV Applications

Electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) require high torque/acceleration ability and wide speed range. To meet both of them, the traction machines usually have to be oversized, which results in high volume and weight, high cost, and low efficiency. In practical application, high speed motors combining with gear box provide the expected torque and speed capability. If pole-changing machines are employed to achieve wide torque and speed ranges, gear box and motor size can be reduced in EVs/HEVs. This paper presents a pole-phase modulation motor drive which changes both of poles and phases simultaneously, as a result that the motor extends its torque/speed capability in a flexible way. Simulation results verify the principle and control method for this kind of motor drives.