Q about multi-phase motors.

[Andrew Plumb <andrew@plumb.org>]

Why only up to three-phase motors?  I know _how_ they work - designed a
DSP-based controller (variable frequency, PWM-capable, etc) as my
fourth-year engineering project (even worked :-), but my background's in
the computer/control, not the power; my partner was the power-guy.

I know that 3-phase is more stable and efficient than single or 2-phase,
but why not more than three-phases?  I'm guessing, but wouldn't, say, a
five or seven-phase motor be considerably more efficient and stable than
three, or am I missing something?

Thanks!

Andrew.


Andrew Plumb
mailto:andrew@plumb.org
http://www.plumb.org/
http://wwp.mirabilis.com/13667980