Systematic Implementation of Multi-Phase Power Supply (Three to Six) Conversion System

Multiphase (more than three) power system has gained popularity due to their inherent advantages when compared to three-phase counterpart. Multiphase power supply is extensively used in AC/DC multi-pulse converters, especially supply with multiple of three-phases. AC/DC converter with multi-pulse input is a popular solution to reduce the ripple in the DC output. Single-phase and three-phase transformers and phase transformation from single to multiphase are employed in variable speed drives application to feed the multi-cell H-Bridge converters and multi-pulse AC-DC converters. Six-phase system is extensively discussed in the literature for numerous applications ranging from variable speed drives to multiphase wind energy generation system. This paper shows the systematic phase transformation technique from three-phase to six-phase (both symmetrical and asymmetrical) for both understanding and teaching purposes. Such an approach could help students understand a promising advanced concept in their undergraduate courses. When phase difference between the two consecutive phases of six phases has a phase difference of 60°, it is called a symmetrical six-phase system; while an asymmetrical or quasi, six-phase has two set of three-phase with a phase shift of 30° between the two sets. Simulation and experimental results are also presented.