Zero-Sequence Current Suppression Strategy for a Common DC Bus OW-FPPMSM with Third-Harmonic Current Injection

In the open-winding motor fed by a common DC bus, unbalanced inverter common-mode voltage (CMV), zero-sequence components of the permanent magnet flux linkage, and the PWM dead-time effect can induce a zero-sequence current (ZSC) through the inherent current path. For an open-winding five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (OW-FPPMSM) applied in an aerospace rocket starter-generator system, two ZSC suppression strategies based on zero-sequence voltage (ZSV) generation mechanisms are proposed in this paper, which improve motor performance in a simple and efficient manner. In the first strategy, the conventional method is modified to enable asynchronous operation of the two inverters, thereby generating the required ZSV pulses. The switching order and time offset between the two inverters are determined by the reference ZSV. The second strategy employs basic voltage vectors with larger magnitudes, resulting in higher DC bus voltage utilization. By adjusting the switching sequence of the second inverter, the ZSC components at the carrier frequency are eliminated. Both strategies also achieve the injection of the third-harmonic current. Finally, the two strategies are further analyzed in terms of the modulation index and ZSV modulation range. Simulation and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the ZSC suppression strategies.