2013 International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, Oct.
26-29, 2013, Busan, Korea
FEM Analysis on Interturn Fault of Rotor
Wingding in DFIG
Li Jun-qing, Wang Xi-mei
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, China
e-mail:junqing03@163.com
Abstract — The stable operation of Doubly-fed induction
generator (DFIG) is vital to wind power overall system reliability.
The rotor winding inter-turn short circuit fault is one of the
common electrical faults in DFIG, so it is necessary to research
the fault features of DFIG with rotor winding inter-turn short
circuit fault. The finite element model (FEM) of DFIG was
presented and used to simulate the electromagnetic field
distribution of DFIG under different degree of rotor inter-turn
short circuit fault. The phase angle difference, the harmonic
content of rotor currents and the harmonic content of air gap
flux density were also explored. The approach presented in this
paper will provide the basis for the protection of DFIG with rotor
inter-turn short circuit fault.1
Index Terms—Doubly fed induction generators (DFIG), finite
element method (FEM), rotor inter-turn short
circuit, flux density, rotor current
I. INTRODUCTION
Wind power as a clean energy has been widely used, the
doubly-fed generator (DFIG) as one of the key equipment in
the wind power system, its stable operation is vital for the
overall reliability of wind power generation system. The rotor
winding inter turn short circuit fault is one of the generator
electrical faults, so it is necessary to study electromagnetic
characteristics of DFIG in normal and rotor winding turn-to-
turn short-circuit condition.
Usually, the electric machines’ fault detection parameters
include voltage, current, speed, flux, temperature, vibration
and so on [1-8]. The appropriate signal processing methods
was taken to determine the operating status of the machine and
to distinguish whether the machine was failure, fault type and
severity. The main methods of signal analysis include
unbalanced current law [1], flux assay [2], the coordinate
transformation method, the negative sequence component
method, the instantaneous power decomposition method and
so on. [1] put forward unbalanced current law, in which the
currents of three phases are asymmetrical when the three-
phase windings are unbalanced. The principle of flux detection
method is that the air-gap flux will change and generate the
corresponding harmonic component when turn-to-turn short-
circuit fault occurs in induction motor winding [2]. With
coordinate transformation method, the signal is transformed
into different coordinate system in order to extract the fault
features easily. [3-5] found the mathematical model of DFIG
This work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province in
China (E2010001705)
978-1-4799-1447-0/13/$31.00 ©2013 IEEE
using the d-q transformation, and carried on the wavelet
analysis of the current signal.
The finite element method (FEM) is widely used to
engineering simulation technology [9-14]. The
electromagnetic field distribution of permanent magnet motor
with short-circuit winding was simulated using finite element
analysis [9-10]. Reference [11] presented the finite element
model for the study of the behavior of induction motors under
inter-turn short circuit conditions. Reference [12,13] analyzed
the working principle of DFIG, and the simulation method for
mega watt level wind power generator based on FEM software
was proposed．Comparison of simulation and experimental
results proved that the method was both feasible and
reliable．Reference [14] established finite element model of a
synchronous generator with stator winding inter turn short
circuit.
In this paper, the finite element model of DFIG was
presented and used to simulate DFIG with rotor inter turn
short circuit fault.
II. MODEL DESCRIPTION
The two-dimensional field-circuit coupled model of DFIG
was built on the basis of the finite element simulation software
Ansoft Maxwell 2D. In the proposed model, the eddy current
loss and skin effect was ignored.
The finite element model of DFIG is given by (1).
⎧ ∂ ⎛ ∂AZ ⎞ ∂ ⎛ ∂AZ ⎞
⎪ Ω : ⎜ν ⎟ + ⎜ν ⎟ = −JZ
⎨ ∂x ⎝ ∂x ⎠ ∂y ⎝ ∂y ⎠ (1)
⎪τ : A = A
⎩ Z Z0
Where, Az is the axial components of the magnetic vector
potential; J Z is the source current density; ν is material
reluctivity; AZ 0 is the known values on the boundary τ, it is
well known that the permeability of the ferromagnetic material
is far greater than the air permeability, so the magnetic field
lines are parallel to the boundary, AZ = AZ 0 .
In this paper, the basic parameters of DFIG are as follows:
rated power is 5.5kW; the pole number is 4; stator and rotor
slot number are 36/24 and number of turns per slot is 74 / 24;
the stator outer diameter is 210mm and inner one is 136mm;
rotor winding is Y connection; the rotor outer diameter is
135.2mm, inner diameter is 48mm; air gap is 0.4mm. Fig.1 is
geometric model of the generator. Fig.2 gives the circuit of
rotor winding under turn-to-turn short circuit fault.
797

Fig.1 The geometric model of the generator
Fig.2 The circuit which set rotor winding turn-to-turn short-circuit fault
The excitation source is applied on the rotor, the rotor
winding inter-turn short circuit fault is simulated by
connecting the transition resistance with the normal winding
resistance in parallel, and the transition resistance is 10moh,
shown as Fig.2.
III. SIMULATION RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
DFIG is also known as variable speed constant frequency
(VSCF) generating set. The relationship between the
frequency and rotor speed is shown as (2).
pn
= f1 ± f 2 (2)
60
Where, f1 is current frequency of generator stator and
grid; f 2 is the frequency of the rotor current; p is number of
pole pairs; n is the rotor speed. In (2), the sign "-" is taken
when the DFIG operates on the state of sub-synchronous
speed, and the sign "+" is taken when DFIG operates on the
state of super-synchronous speed.
The grid frequency is 50HZ and the synchronous speed of
the generator is 1500rpm. In this paper, we analyzed the sub-
synchronous condition where the rotor speed is 1200rpm, so
the frequency of the rotor current is f 2 = sf1 =10 Hz . The
excitation source is applied on the rotor side, and the stator
current is zero. The magnetic field, air-gap magnetic flux
density and rotor current are analyzed when the generator
operates healthy and rotor interturn fault state respectively.
A. The simulation of DFIG in normal operation state
Fig.3 to Fig.7 describes rotor current, magnetic flux
density, magnetic field line, 3D distribution of air-gap
magnetic flux density and the relationship between air-gap
magnetic flux density and air-gap spatial distance respectively
when DFIG operates in healthy state. In this paper, 2D map of
magnetic field distribution and air-gap magnetic flux density
is given at 0.7 seconds moment.
Fig.3 gives the current waveform of rotor side in normal
operation of DFIG. It can be seen that the current of three
phases is symmetrical. Fig.4 and Fig.5 give the distribution of
the magnetic flux density and the magnetic field lines
respectively. From Fig.4 and Fig.5, the magnetic field is
symmetrical distribution because the three phase windings are
symmetrical.
The air-gap flux can be obtained by defining a certain path
between stator and rotor of the generator, shown as Fig.6 and
Fig.7. Fig.6 gives 3D map of the radial air-gap magnetic flux
density when healthy generator operates in normal state. In
Fig.6, green ordinate represents space distance of air gap in
unit millimeter, red ordinate represents magnetic flux density
in unit Tesla and blue ordinate represents time in unit
millisecond. Fig.7 gives the relationship between air-gap
magnetic flux density and air-gap spatial distance when
healthy generator operates on 0.7 second point. In Fig.7,
horizontal ordinate represents spatial distance of air gap in unit
millimeter and vertical ordinate represents magnetic flux
density in unit Tesla.
From Fig.6 and Fig.7，the air-gap magnetic flux density is
rotating with the period of time. The air-gap magnetic flux
density is a two-pair of pole symmetrical distribution at any
moment. The magnetic field speed is synchronous speed, and
therefore the magnetic field is movement relative to the stator.
The axis of magnetic field acts on the stator teeth, may also act
on the stator slot at different moments. Since cogging effect,
the waveform and maximum value of the air-gap magnetic
flux density change slightly in different time. In addition, the
position of the fixed rotor notch is changing with the time, and
it also impact on the waveform and maximum value of the air-
gap magnetic flux density.
Fig.3 Rotor current in Healthy DFIG
Fig.4 Magnetic flux density distribution in Healthy DFIG
798
 (a) 2 turns inter-turn short circuit fault

Fig.5 Magnetic field lines distribution in Healthy DFIG

(b) 5 turns inter-turn short circuit fault

Fig.6 3D map of air-gap magnetic flux density on normal operation

(c) 12 turns inter-turn short circuit fault

Fig.8 The rotor current under 2, 5 and 12 turns interturn fault
Magnetic flux density(T)

Fig.7 Air-gap magnetic flux density on normal operation (a) 2 turns inter-turn short circuit fault

B. The simulate of DFIG in rotor turn-to-turn short circuit

fault
The FEM model of the generator is established when the
rotor winding exists inter turn short circuit fault based on Fig.1
and Fig.2. In order to analyze the characteristic of rotor inter
turn short-circuit fault, three fault degrees are simulated, in
which the turn number of inter-turn short circuit fault is (b) 5 turns inter-turn short circuit fault
respectively 2, 5 and 12 turns. The inter turn short circuit fault
occurs in a-phase of rotor winding, and the generator is
operating on sub-synchronous state where the rotor speed is
1200rpm. The rotor current, the magnetic flux density and the
spatial distribution of the air-gap flux density are shown in
Fig. 8, Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 respectively.

(c) 12 turns inter-turn short circuit fault

Fig. 9 Magnetic flux density distribution under 2, 5 and 12 turns interturn fault

799
 1.25 turns is more, the greater the change.
0.63 D. Analysis of the air-gap magnetic flux density
From Fig.7 and Fig.10, the air-gap magnetic flux density
0.00 near the fault winding has a larger changing compared to the
healthy generator. Air-gap magnetic flux density is the hub of
-0.63
generator energy conversion, so the in-depth study is
necessary.
-1.25
0.00 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 Spectral analysis of the air-gap magnetic flux density is an
Distance (mm)
effect method in generator. Fig.11 gives the spectrum diagram
(a) 2 turns inter-turn short circuit fault
1.25
of the air gap magnetic flux density, in which (a) represents
healthy generator, (b), (c) and (d) respectively represent 2
Magnetic flux density(T)

0.63 turns, 5turns and 12 turns short circuit fault of rotor winding.
From Fig.11 (a), air gap the magnetic flux density in
0.00 healthy generator only contain odd harmonic, not even and
fractional one. In addition to the main fundamental
-0.63
component, there has been a small amount of 3rd, 5th and
some higher odd harmonic components, such as 11th, 13th,
-1.25
0.00 100.00 200.00 300.00 400.00 17th, 19th harmonic component. The higher odd harmonic
Distance (mm)
component mentioned above is actually the tooth harmonic
(b) 5 turns inter-turn short circuit fault
which is produced by the sharp of the stator and rotor slot.
From Fig.11 (b, c, d), comparing with healthy generator, some
small content of even harmonics and fractional harmonics are
produced. With the degree increase of inter-turn short circuit
fault, fundamental component gradually decrease and the even
harmonics and fractional harmonics obviously increases.

(c) 12 turns inter-turn short circuit fault

Fig.10 Air-gap magnetic flux density under 2, 5 and 12 turns interturn fault

C. Analysis of the magnetic field

From Fig.4 and Fig.9, comparing with healthy generator,
the magnetic field is asymmetrical for fault one. From Fig.9
(a), the symmetrical distribution of the magnetic field is not
obviously damaged when rotor winding occurs 2 turns short
circuit, only the magnetic flux density near the fault winding
has a slight change, the rest region of the generator has not
significant change. From Fig.9 (b) and Fig.9 (c), compared to
the healthy generator, the magnetic flux density near the fault Fig.11 Frequency spectrum diagram of air-gap magnetic flux density under
winding has a larger change with the increase of the fault healthy, 2, 5 and 12 turns interturn fault
degree, where the fault winding slot corresponding to the air
gap have a great change, and the magnetic flux density of the
stator and rotor core has a small change. In addition, the rest E. Analysis of the rotor current
region of the generator occur change when 5 and 12 turns From Fig.3 and Fig.8, comparing with healthy generator,
short circuit fault occurs. the three-phase current of rotor windings is not symmetrical
By comparing the distribution of the generator magnetic and their amplitude is no longer equal. From Fig.8 (a), the
flux density under different fault conditions, the following amplitude of three-phase has a slight change when 2 turns
features can be obtained. When the rotor winding occurs short circuit fault occurs, b-phase current is the largest,
minor interturn short-circuit fault, the magnetic flux density followed by a-phase and c-phase. From Fig.8 (b) and Fig.8 (c),
near the fault winding has a minor change, and the air gap flux the asymmetry of three-phase is more obviously with the
density corresponding to the fault winding slot has a obvious increase of the fault degree. In addition, the phase angle of the
change, the field in remaining positions of the generator does rotor current has significant changes. TABLE I gives the
not change significantly. With the increase of the number of values of the phase angle. Fig.12 gives the spectrum of the
interturn short circuit, the magnetic flux density in the other rotor current distribution.
parts of the generator would change. And the short-circuit

800

TABLE I
THE CURRENT PHASE ANGLE OF THE ROTOR LATERAL LINE
Short-circuit turns θ ab
0 120
2 124.4
5 133.9
12 144
From TABLE I, the phase angle difference of the rotor
phase current is no longer symmetrical when inter-turn short
circuit fault occurs in the rotor windings. Phase angle
difference θ ab between rotor current a-phase and b-phase
increases and more than 120 degree, phase angle difference
θbc and θ ca decreases and less than 120 degree when rotor a-
phase winding occur 2 turns turn-to-turn short circuit fault.
When the rotor winding occurs 5 and 12 turns short circuit
fault, the phase angle difference θ ab is being larger and more
than 120 °, the phase angle difference θbc and θca are
decreasing obviously.
Fig.12 gives the three phase current spectrum diagram of
healthy and varying degree inter turn short circuit fault. In
Fig.12, (a) represents healthy generator and (b), (c) and (d)
respectively represent 2 turns, 5turns and 12 turns short circuit
fault.
Current（A）
Current（A）
Current（A）
Current（A）
Fig.12 Current spectrum on normal and different short-circuit turns failure
From Fig.12 (a), the amplitude of three-phase currents is
equal, and there is few other frequency harmonics. It can be
seen that the fundamental component of a-phase and b-phase
current increase and the b-phase current is slightly larger than
the a-phase current, the fundamental one of c-phase current
slightly decrease; a-phase, c-phase occurs a small amount of
DC component and the 3rd harmonic component when rotor
winding occurs 2 turns short circuit fault, shown as Fig.12 (b).
When rotor winding occur 5 turns and 12 turns short circuit
fault, the fundamental component of a-phase and b-phase
current increase significantly, and b-phase is greater than a-
phase, c-phase current increases a smaller value with respect
to the a-phase and b-phase; all the three phases currents
contain a small amount of DC component and 5th harmonic
components, and 3rd harmonic component significantly
increase, shown as Fig.12 (c) and (d).
Generally speaking, there will appear a small amount of
θbc θ ca DC component and the 3rd harmonic component in the case of
120 120 inter-turn short circuit. With the increase of fault degree, there
119.2 116.4 will be 5th harmonic component, and the fundamental, DC,
113.7 112.4 3rd harmonic component will increase.
100.8 115.2
IV. CONCLUSION
In this paper, the finite element model of DFIG is
established. The distribution of the electromagnetic field and
rotor current are explored when DFIG is in healthy and rotor
winding inter turn short-circuit fault state. With the increase of
the fault degree, the magnetic flux density distribution is not
symmetrical, especially at the air-gap between stator and rotor.
Fractional harmonic components and even harmonic
components of air-gap magnetic flux density will also
increase. The phase angle and amplitude of the rotor current
have a significant change and the third harmonic component
increases in the case of inter turn short circuit fault. Research
methods and analysis in this article will provide a theoretical
reference and a basis to DFIG rotor winding inter turn short
circuit fault protection mechanism.
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