Abstract

This study examines the variation of magnetomotive force (MMF) distribution and its harmonic spectrum during the transition from a conventional winding configuration to a combined winding. The MMF waveform is constructed according to the instantaneous current directions in the winding conductors, resulting in a stepped integral MMF waveform. Slot width and slot skew are neglected, and the current in each slot is assumed to be concentrated at a single point. The resulting MMF distribution is symmetrical about the horizontal axis, ensuring equal positive and negative areas. Harmonic analysis of the MMF waveform is performed for both winding configurations. Harmonic amplitudes are determined from the discrete MMF values using an analytical Fourier-based DFT approach, and selected harmonic components are reconstructed as sinusoidal spatial MMF components to evaluate their individual contributions to the overall MMF waveform. The results show that the combined winding reduces several higher-order harmonic components while providing a higher fundamental winding factor. This reduction improves the spectral quality of the MMF distribution, reduces harmonic distortion, and results in a more sinusoidal MMF waveform for the combined winding.