Hybrid Electric Propulsion Using Doubly Fed Induction Machines

摘要

This paper considers a hybrid electric propulsion architecture where most of the electric power is transmitted fromthe generator to the motors without conversion. Doubly fed induction machines are chosen for generation andpropulsion, due to their ability to operate over a range of speeds using reduced-size power converters. The focus of thispaper is on the presentation and demonstration of a strategy that allows for the stable and independent operation ofmultiple motors using the power produced by a single generator. The control methodology includes synchronization,soft-start, and closed-loop speed control of each motor as a means of controlling output thrust. The validation iscarried out on a low-power test bed using fractional horsepower machines. The success obtained at a small-scalesuggests that the proposed strategy would be worth evaluating at higher power levels, with a potential application tocommercial transport aircraft.