Continuously-variable-pole induction machine drive for electric vehicles

This thesis presents a comprehensive framework for implementing continuously variable pole (CVP) operation in variable pole induction machines (VPIMs) to minimize combined machine losses while improving magnetic material utilization. An optimization-based approach is developed to determine torque sharing among multiple pole sets across the torque–speed plane. Results demonstrate that coordinated operation of two-pole and six-pole components significantly reduces losses, particularly in the intermediate speed range, and expands the usable torque–speed envelope. To realize this in practice, a control architecture is proposed that achieves flux synchronization and compared to one in which both the poles are operated independently. The proposed methodology is validated through experimental studies on a custom 36-slot toroidally wound VPIM driven by an 18-leg GaN inverter. The results confirm the feasibility of dynamic torque sharing and highlight the potential of CVP operation to meet the performance and efficiency demands of modern electric vehicle traction systems. Finally, a representative city‑drive‑cycle study benchmarks the proposed CVP strategy against conventional discrete‑pole operation, quantifying its practical efficiency advantage.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Chaubal, Soumil Kishor

Contributors dc:contributor

• Banerjee, Arijit

• Torque
• Modulation
• Minimization
• Magnetic Materials
• Vectors
• Synchronization
• Vehicle Dynamics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Soumil Chaubal

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130070

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F130070