Multiphase High-Power and High-Speed E-Drives for Industrial Applications

This research proposal aims to study the reliability of a novel electrical drive system for ground power generation that includes the use of high-speed electrical machines and high voltage power converters directly coupled to high-speed gas turbines. Conventionally the generation hardware would be connected indirectly to the gas turbine via a speed reduction gearbox unit.
Solutions considering disruptive drives for high power ground generation have been identified and the system reliability of these approaches need to be investigated for future power applications. The key underpinning technologies to be explored include innovative simulation approaches that consider the electrical machine model along with the power converter which is used to create an interface with the electricity grid. Different drives topologies will be investigated and compared with respect to their practical feasibility, performance and overall system reliability.
The study will use a design environment where the electrical machine and power converter domains and their interactions will be captured. Design algorithms allowing the drive to be designed for a wide range of applications will be used.