Based on Fortescue transformation, a vectorial modeling approach of the five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor is investigated. Each physical entity (current, voltage, EMF, flux) will be projected in three orthogonal subspaces. Consequently the five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor can be decomposed in three fictitious decoupled machines. Each fictitious machine is described by its own electrical equation in the natural abcde basis, hence each one is represented by its equivalent electrical circuit. The current quality of the electrical drive depends on the supply mode and the repartition of the MMF. The projection on the current of each machine on its αβ frame shows the effect of current harmonics and the leakage inductance on the current quality.

Keywords: Five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor, Voltage source inverter, Fortescue transformation