Integrated multi-drive configuration for starter-alternator applications

The paper presents a study of an Integrated Multi-Drive (IMD) system, obtained by redesigning the stator winding of a standard electrical machine to derive a combination of several Sub-Machines (SMs). A single SM consists of an independent three-phase stator winding set sharing a common magnetic circuit including the rotor with the other SMs. Exploiting independent vector control for each SMs, the proposed structure can be considered as a complex electromechanical system with newer perspectives compared to standard single-shaft multi-drives systems where the machines are not magnetically coupled. In the paper, a new IMD configuration has been experimentally tested addressing starter-alternator application. Study results highlight the potential and flexibility of proposed integrated IMD to realize an energy conversion process with controllable multidirectional power flows, also providing a satisfying dynamic behavior to the system.