This paper develops and analyzes a methodology for detecting stator winding inter-turn faults in surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors. The proposed methodology is based on monitoring the zero-sequence voltage component having into account the effects of the inverter that usually feeds the machine. The theoretical basis of such a method is established from the parametric model of the machine. Attributes of the method presented here include simplicity, high accuracy, low computational burden and high sensibility. Additionally, it is especially useful when dealing with fault tolerant systems. From this model the expression of the zero sequence voltage component is deduced, which is used to detect stator winding inter-turn faults. Both simulation and experimental results presented in this work show the potential of the proposed method to provide helpful and reliable data to carry out an online diagnosis of such faults.

Peer Reviewed