The brushless doubly fed induction machine ( DFIM) shows great potential as a generator in large-scale wind turbines. The motion of the magnetic field in this machine is not a simple rotation, which makes it not so straight forward to understand its operating principles. This paper develops an analytical magnetic field model for the brushless DFIM that includes the effects of rotor time harmonics and space harmonics due to the winding distribution and slotting. Using a case study machine, the developed analytical model is then validated by comparison with finite-element ( FE) calculations. In addition, a 2-D spectral analysis is applied to the FE derived radial air-gap magnetic field as a function of time. This analysis verifies the space-time relations of the rotating magnetic field components in the airgap of the brushless DFIM. Finally, the developed analytical magnetic field model is used to analyze the brushless DFIM operating principles. The interaction of the stator magnetic field with the rotor nested loops is explained, as well as the development of electromagnetic torque.
