Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles

Special Issue Editors

School of Electrical Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
Interests: electrical machines and their control systems; electric drive systems of electric vehicles; brushless DC motor; impedance source converter
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
School of Electrical Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
Interests: design and optimization of permanent magnet machine; analytical modeling; numerical analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The electrical machine and its drives are the energy core of electric vehicles. The electric drive system of electric vehicles is mainly composed of an electrical machine, a DC–DC converter, an inverter, a motor controller, a transmission mechanism, etc. The optimized design method and advanced control technology affect the performance of electric vehicles, including the recharge mileage, noise level, safety, manufacturing costs, maintenance costs, and operating life of electric vehicles.

In order to improve the operating performance, it is necessary to explore and research around electrical machines’ designs and the control strategies for electric vehicles. In terms of motor ontology, the rapid optimization of electromagnetic analyses, multiphase motors, and permanent magnet motors is worthy of attention. In terms of power converters of electric vehicles, the DC–DC converter, fault-tolerant converter, impedance source converter, and SiC drives are research hotspots. In terms of motor control algorithms, it is necessary to further study the sensorless control method, fault monitoring technology, high-performance torque control strategy, braking control, and energy recovery technology to widen the speed range and high-efficiency operating area of electric vehicle motors.

Dr. Xinmin Li
Dr. Liyan Guo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • novel permanent magnet synchronous machine
  • high power density
  • high efficiency
  • electric vehicles
  • multimotor systems
  • multilevel converters
  • impedance source converter
  • predictive control
  • servo motor
  • fault diagnosis
  • torque control
  • sensorless
  • efficiency optimization
  • harmonic analysis
  • energy recovery
  • motor drives
  • hybrid power
  • DC–DC converter

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5044 KiB  
Article
Optimized Synchronous SPWM Modulation Strategy for Traction Inverters Based on Non-Equally Spaced Carriers
by Xuefeng Jin, Shiwei Li, Wenbo Sun, Wei Chen, Xin Gu and Guozheng Zhang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(6), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14060157 - 13 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1774
Abstract
The switching frequency of high-power inverters, such as those used in rail transit traction systems, is low, due to switching loss and heat dissipation limitations. This can result in considerable output voltage harmonics. This paper proposes an optimal SPWM strategy for traction inverters [...] Read more.
The switching frequency of high-power inverters, such as those used in rail transit traction systems, is low, due to switching loss and heat dissipation limitations. This can result in considerable output voltage harmonics. This paper proposes an optimal SPWM strategy for traction inverters based on non-equally spaced carriers to address this issue. By dividing the fundamental wave cycle into regions according to the principle of three-phase, half-wave, and quarter-wave symmetry, the carrier width is symmetrically changed in each region, and a switching angle sequence is generated by comparing the fundamental wave with the non-isometric carrier. The proposed optimal modulation strategy has lower harmonic content than traditional strategies within a specific modulation range. Enhancing the inverter output waveform leads to increased torque accuracy, lowering additional losses in the motor and avoiding overheating. This results in improved performance, enhanced efficiency, and extended service life of the motor system. To further reduce voltage harmonics across the full-speed range, a multi-mode segmented synchronous modulation strategy is designed based on the optimal modulation strategy for different modulation ranges. Appropriate switching points are selected to improve the stability of the traction drive system across the full-speed range. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through simulation and experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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18 pages, 20310 KiB  
Article
Direct Instantaneous Torque Control of SRM Based on a Novel Multilevel Converter for Low Torque Ripple
by Yan Cai, Zhongshan Dong, Hui Liu, Yunhu Liu and Yuhang Wu
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(6), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14060140 - 27 May 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1615
Abstract
The torque ripple of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) limits its application in electric vehicles. This paper proposes a DITC system for SRMs based on a novel multilevel converter (MLC), which aims at the problem that the torque ripple cannot be effectively suppressed [...] Read more.
The torque ripple of a switched reluctance motor (SRM) limits its application in electric vehicles. This paper proposes a DITC system for SRMs based on a novel multilevel converter (MLC), which aims at the problem that the torque ripple cannot be effectively suppressed for the conventional direct instantaneous torque control (DITC) of an SRM due to the limitation of the DC bus voltage in the asymmetric half-bridge converter (AHBC) and the single control strategy formulated in the commutation region. Based on the advantages of fast excitation and fast demagnetization for the proposed MLC and the torque distribution characteristics for each phase winding in the commutation region, a novel torque hysteresis control strategy is developed to improve the torque-following ability of the DITC and achieve the purpose of minimizing the torque ripple in the commutation region. In addition, multiobjective optimization control of the motor is carried out to improve the efficiency of the DITC system while suppressing the torque ripple. The effectiveness of the proposed SRM drive scheme is verified by experiment, which is of great significance for the application of SRMs in electric vehicles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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14 pages, 2783 KiB  
Article
Improved Kalman-Filter-Based Model-Predictive Control Method for Trajectory Tracking of Automatic Straddle Carriers
by Zonghe Ding, Shuang Lin, Wei Gu and Yilian Zhang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(5), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14050118 - 1 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1929
Abstract
This paper considers the trajectory tracking problem for a class of automatic straddle carriers (ASCs) with external interferences and the overturning constraints. First, the steering and the dynamics of the ASC are analyzed and the mathematical model of the ASC is established. Then, [...] Read more.
This paper considers the trajectory tracking problem for a class of automatic straddle carriers (ASCs) with external interferences and the overturning constraints. First, the steering and the dynamics of the ASC are analyzed and the mathematical model of the ASC is established. Then, considering the impact of external interferences on the trajectory tracking accuracy, an improved dynamic Kalman filter is designed in order to obtain the state estimation of the ASC. Based on the obtained state estimation, a model-predictive control method is proposed which takes the anti-overturning constraints into account. In addition, the improved Kalman-filter-based model-predictive control (iKFMPC) algorithm is summarized for the considered ASC to travel smoothly along the given trajectory while meeting the overturning resistance. Finally, simulation analyses demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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19 pages, 10017 KiB  
Article
A Circulating Current Suppression Strategy for MMC Based on the 2N+1 PWM Approach
by Guozheng Zhang, Jiahui Song, Chen Li and Xin Gu
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14040106 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2047
Abstract
Compared with other topologies, the modular multilevel converter (MMC) has the advantages of higher scalability and lower harmonic distortion. When carrier-based pulse-width modulation approaches are used for the MMC, the number of carriers increases for more sub-modules, and the complexity of the control [...] Read more.
Compared with other topologies, the modular multilevel converter (MMC) has the advantages of higher scalability and lower harmonic distortion. When carrier-based pulse-width modulation approaches are used for the MMC, the number of carriers increases for more sub-modules, and the complexity of the control and the memory required increases as a result. In addition, the synchronization of several carriers is another issue. Due to the unique constructional characteristics of the MMC, circulating currents will be generated internally, causing distortions in the arm currents and, thus, unnecessary converter losses. In this paper, an improved 2N+1 pulse-width modulation approach with low control complexity and a circulating current suppression strategy are proposed. Firstly, the conventional carrier phase-shifted 2N+1 pulse-width modulation approach is improved so that the number of carrier signals adopted in each arm is always two. Secondly, the redundant switching states are used to suppress the circulating current. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified experimentally. The results show that the proposed method reduces the control complexity while retaining the output performance. Meanwhile, the circulating current can be suppressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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18 pages, 3121 KiB  
Article
Design of Permanent Magnet-Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor with Low Torque Ripple
by Xinmin Li, Zihan Sun, Wenbo Sun, Liyan Guo and Huimin Wang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14040082 - 24 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3302
Abstract
Permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMSRMs) have been widely used in household appliances, national defense and the military, due to their advantages of low cost and high efficiency. However, their excessive torque ripple cause a series of problems, such as high vibration and [...] Read more.
Permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance motors (PMSRMs) have been widely used in household appliances, national defense and the military, due to their advantages of low cost and high efficiency. However, their excessive torque ripple cause a series of problems, such as high vibration and noise. To solve this problem, this paper first considers the important factor that causes the torque ripple—the cogging torque. Firstly, the generating principle of the cogging torque is analyzed, and a method combining magnetic pole migration and the stator auxiliary groove is proposed. On this basis, considering the position, width, depth, quantity and shape of the auxiliary groove, the Taguchi method is used to optimize the proposed improved structure. Finally, a new motor structure that can minimize torque ripple is obtained. Compared with the original structure, the cogging torque is reduced by 57.6%, the torque ripple is reduced by 38%, and the electromagnetic torque is only reduced by 1.6%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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18 pages, 17316 KiB  
Article
Variable Switching Frequency Deadbeat Predictive Current Control for PMSM with High-Speed and Low-Carrier Ratio
by Zhiqiang Wang, Chenyu Wang, Haishen Liang, Zhuangzhuang Han, Xuefeng Jin and Guozheng Zhang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14030064 - 3 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1648
Abstract
The predictive current control method of permanent magnet synchronous motor has the advantages of fast dynamic response and easy digital implementation, so more attention has been paid to it. When the motor operates in a high-speed condition, the switching frequency is relatively low, [...] Read more.
The predictive current control method of permanent magnet synchronous motor has the advantages of fast dynamic response and easy digital implementation, so more attention has been paid to it. When the motor operates in a high-speed condition, the switching frequency is relatively low, the carrier ratio is low, and the rotor angle varies greatly within a control cycle, resulting in a large error in the traditional liner approximation prediction model and inaccuracy of the voltage control quantity calculation, which leads to the deterioration of the predictive current control effect. At the same time, the output harmonic of the three-phase current increases, which affects the stable operation of the motor. In this paper, we study the causes of the large errors in the prediction model based on the traditional linear approximation and phase current fluctuation of the permanent magnet synchronous motor under high speed and low carrier-ratio conditions. Based on the improvement of the prediction model and modulation, a new control strategy of variable switching frequency deadbeat predictive current control is proposed. The control method proposed in this paper improves the dynamic and steady-state performance of the motor, under the condition that the carrier ratio does not increase and reduces the fluctuation of the output current of the motor. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are verified by an experiment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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18 pages, 3752 KiB  
Article
Research on Control Method of Dual-Motor Load Simulator
by Xiaolin Liu and Jinkai Li
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14020028 - 23 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1561
Abstract
Aiming at the output torque error of a steering gear electric load simulator caused by excess torque and backlash interference, an electric load simulator based on double-motor loading is designed. The double-motor loading mode is adopted in the structure, the mathematical model is [...] Read more.
Aiming at the output torque error of a steering gear electric load simulator caused by excess torque and backlash interference, an electric load simulator based on double-motor loading is designed. The double-motor loading mode is adopted in the structure, the mathematical model is established, and the sources of excess torque and backlash interference are analyzed. In the control strategy, firstly, a torque controller is designed as a feedback controller based on the improved error symbol robust integral control method, and then a backlash interference compensator is designed as a feedforward controller based on the drive redundancy strategy. Finally, a dual motor speed synchronization controller is designed based on the improved cross coupling control method to ensure the stable operation of the torque controller and backlash compensator in the dual-motor system. The simulation results show that the compound control method can reduce the tracking error to 1.13%, 4.44% less than the PID control method. The tracking error is only 1.54% in the case of redundant torque, backlash, and different parameters of dual motors. The method proposed in this paper can still output loading torque with high accuracy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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12 pages, 7557 KiB  
Article
A Discontinuous Modulation Method with Variable Clamping Interval Width of the Modular Multilevel Converter
by Xin Gu, Langang Ma, Guozheng Zhang and Xuefeng Jin
World Electr. Veh. J. 2023, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj14010001 - 22 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1502
Abstract
The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has been widely used because of the advantages of easier expansion, lower harmonic distortion and higher output voltage level. If the MMC is adapted to high voltage application, more submodules need to be connected in series in each [...] Read more.
The modular multilevel converter (MMC) has been widely used because of the advantages of easier expansion, lower harmonic distortion and higher output voltage level. If the MMC is adapted to high voltage application, more submodules need to be connected in series in each arm. Thus, the switching loss needs to be considered a key issue. A discontinuous modulation method with variable clamping interval width is proposed in this paper in order to reduce the switching loss under variable power factor conditions. Different widths of the clamping interval can be selected according to the requirements of the system. Meanwhile, the capacitor voltage ripple of the submodules can also be reduced. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed modulation method are verified under a RT-LAB rapid control prototype based MMC system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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16 pages, 5933 KiB  
Article
A Position Sensorless Control Strategy for BLDCM Driven by FSTPI Based on Flux-Linkage Function
by Xinmin Li, Guoqiang Jiao, Qiang Li, Wei Chen, Zhen Zhang and Guozheng Zhang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2022, 13(12), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj13120238 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1656
Abstract
This paper presents a new position sensorless control strategy for a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) driven by a four-switch three-phase inverter (FSTPI). This strategy introduces a flux-linkage function, which changes obviously at the time of the extremum jump. In the proposed strategy, the [...] Read more.
This paper presents a new position sensorless control strategy for a brushless DC motor (BLDCM) driven by a four-switch three-phase inverter (FSTPI). This strategy introduces a flux-linkage function, which changes obviously at the time of the extremum jump. In the proposed strategy, the extremum jump edge determines the six commutation points needed for motor commutation. Then the high-precision and reliable commutation of the BLDCM is realized. This strategy can be used on BLDCM driven by FSTPI. Compared with other position sensorless control methods for BLDCM driven by FSTPI, the proposed method does not need to set a threshold value to detect the commutation point. It can obtain six commutation points required for motor commutation without interpolation. This avoids commutation errors caused by threshold value setting and interpolation. In addition, this strategy adopts a three-phase current control method for BLDCM driven by FSTPI. It can effectively restrain the current distortion of the capacitor middle point connection phase. And the terminal voltage is calculated. It can avoid the error caused by hardware sampling and improve the accuracy of the position sensorless control strategy. The experimental results verify the correctness of the theory and the effectiveness of the method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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16 pages, 3979 KiB  
Article
Wide Frequency PWM Rectifier Control System Based on Improved Deadbeat Direct Power Control
by Wei Chen, Shaozhen Li, Wenbo Sun, Kai Bi, Zhichen Lin and Guozheng Zhang
World Electr. Veh. J. 2022, 13(12), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj13120230 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1986
Abstract
The precision of deadbeat direct power control depends on the parameters of the system model. In wide frequency applications, such as multi- electric aircraft and electric vehicles, variations in frequency and resistive parameters will affect the control effect. The AC side voltage frequency [...] Read more.
The precision of deadbeat direct power control depends on the parameters of the system model. In wide frequency applications, such as multi- electric aircraft and electric vehicles, variations in frequency and resistive parameters will affect the control effect. The AC side voltage frequency of the generator rectifier varies widely, which will lead to a steady-state reactive power error in the deadbeat direct power control. In addition, the large temperature variation range during the operation of the multi-electric aircraft and electric vehicles leads to large changes in the filter inductance and line resistance of the AC side, and the model parameters do not match the actual parameters, which will further deteriorate the control accuracy. In this paper, a PWM rectifier control method is proposed for the occasions when the frequency and temperature change are in a wide range. Using repetitive control and power compensation, it solves the problems of steady-state reactive power error and control accuracy degradation caused by the mismatch of model parameters under severe operating conditions. The control method can precisely adjust the output DC voltage of PWM rectifier, and it also can maintain unity power factor and reduce the total harmonic distortion rate of the input current. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified by the experimental results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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18 pages, 6318 KiB  
Article
High-Frequency Square Wave Injection Sensorless Control Method of IPMSM Based on Oversampling Scheme
by Zhiqiang Wang, Qi Guo, Jifeng Xiao, Te Liang, Zhichen Lin and Wei Chen
World Electr. Veh. J. 2022, 13(11), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj13110217 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3344
Abstract
In view of the disadvantages of the traditional high-frequency square wave signal injection method in the low-speed operation of high-power interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), such as the large error of rotor position calculation and delay of position update, a method based [...] Read more.
In view of the disadvantages of the traditional high-frequency square wave signal injection method in the low-speed operation of high-power interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), such as the large error of rotor position calculation and delay of position update, a method based on high-frequency square wave signal injection is proposed to obtain an effective vector action current through oversampling. When the vector is zero, the current changes to not zero, but when the vector is effective, the current changes greatly. In the traditional sampling and calculation methods, the change of the zero-vector is ignored, resulting in errors, especially in the case of small power, and the errors are more obvious. Through the method of oversampling the current of the effective vector, the high-frequency response current of the effective vector is obtained. Through the reasonable demodulation method, the high-frequency response current of the effective vector is extracted, and then the rotor position information is obtained through the phase-locked loop. On this basis, the influence of the inherent nonlinear characteristics of the motor system and the sampling delay on the calculation of the rotor position is analyzed, and the error is compensated to obtain a more accurate rotor position. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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14 pages, 4014 KiB  
Article
Intelligent Motor Bearing Fault Diagnosis Using Channel Attention-Based CNN
by Jianguo Yin and Gang Cen
World Electr. Veh. J. 2022, 13(11), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj13110208 - 3 Nov 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2436
Abstract
Many components of electric vehicles contain rolling bearings, and the operating condition of rolling bearings often affects the operating performance of electric vehicles. Monitoring the operating status of the bearings is one of the key technologies to ensure the safe operation of the [...] Read more.
Many components of electric vehicles contain rolling bearings, and the operating condition of rolling bearings often affects the operating performance of electric vehicles. Monitoring the operating status of the bearings is one of the key technologies to ensure the safe operation of the bearings. We propose a channel attention-based convolutional neural network (CA-CNN) model for rolling bearing fault diagnosis. The model can directly use the raw vibration signal of the bearing as input to achieve bearing fault diagnosis under different operating loads and different noise environments. The experimental results show that, compared with other intelligent diagnosis methods, the proposed model CA-CNN achieves a high diagnostic accuracy under different load cases and still has advantages in different noisy environments. It is also beneficial to promote the intelligent fault diagnosis and maintenance of electric vehicles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrical Machines Design and Control in Electric Vehicles)
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