Multiphase terminology, definitions, and classification
Multiphase machines with more than two independent currents

The term "multiphase electric machine" first requires clarification depending on which side one is considering:

• the machine operator, who can see how many threads are needed to feed it;

• the machine designer, who determines the number of electrical coils to be installed and connected to one another;

• by the drive designer, who must integrate the static converter and the control system;

• the modeler's decision regarding the number of independent variables that should be included to accurately describe and control the machine.

These different approaches sometimes lead to confusion regarding the definition of the number of phases, but they are all valid from their own perspective. This first chapter will be devoted...