Search Results (29)

The growing need for high-efficiency and reliable propulsion systems in naval applications, particularly within the evolving landscape of submarine warfare, has led to an increased interest in multiphase Permanent Magnet AC motors. This study presents a modelling and simulation approach for a 3MW, seventeen-phase Permanent Magnet AC motor designed for submarine propulsion, integrating an AI-based drive control system. Despite the advantages of multiphase motors, such as higher power density and enhanced fault tolerance, significant challenges remain in achieving precise torque and variable speed, especially for externally mounted motors operating under deep-sea conditions. Existing control strategies often struggle with the inherent nonlinearities, unmodelled dynamics, and extreme environmental variations (e.g., pressure, temperature affecting oil viscosity and motor parameters) characteristic of such demanding deep-sea applications, leading to suboptimal performance and compromised reliability. Addressing this gap, this research investigates advanced control methodologies to enhance the performance of such motors. A MATLAB/Simulink framework was developed to model the motor, whose drive system leverages an AI-optimised dual fuzzy-PID controller refined using the Harmony Search Algorithm. Additionally, a combination of Indirect Field-Oriented Control (IFOC) and Space Vector PWM strategies are implemented to optimise inverter switching sequences for precise output modulation. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in torque response and control accuracy, validating the efficacy of the proposed system. The results highlight the role of AI-based propulsion systems in revolutionising submarine manoeuvrability and energy efficiency. In particular, during a test case involving a speed transition from 75 RPM to 900 RPM, the proposed AI-based controller achieves a near-zero overshoot compared to an initial control scheme that exhibits 75.89% overshoot. Full article

Integrating the electric motor with a multi-speed transmission is an effective way to improve the efficiency and performance of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This paper innovatively proposes a design method for matching a single-motor and dual-speed dual-clutch transmission (2-Speed Wet DCT) powertrain system and constructs a variable speed efficiency model (VSEM) and constant speed efficiency model (CSEM) for the inverter, motor, and transmission. Research shows that the design parameters of the motor and transmission significantly affect the optimal powertrain system. This study uses an enhanced NSGA-II multi-objective genetic algorithm to optimize the driving performance of energy efficiency and powertrain cost under two different acceleration times (10 s and 12 s), with the key parameters of the motor and transmission as optimization variables and dynamic indicators as constraints, and compares VSEM and CSEM. The optimization results indicate that VSEM have better energy-saving effects than CSEM, with the energy consumption reduced by 3.7% and 3.3% under the two driving performances, respectively. The Pareto frontier further confirms that, for multi-speed transmission systems in electric vehicles, matching a high-power, high-torque motor with a smaller transmission ratio powertrain can achieve higher energy efficiency and thus longer driving range. Additionally, this study quantifies the correlation between energy efficiency and powertrain cost using grey relational analysis (GRA), with a result of 0.77431. Full article

This paper presents a carrier waves phase shifting method to reduce the dc-link capacitor current for a dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system. Dc-link capacitors absorb the ripple current generated at the input due to the harmonics of the pulse width modulation (PWM). The size, cost, reliability, and lifetime of the dc-link capacitor are negatively affected by this ripple current flowing through it. The proposed method is especially appropriate for common dc-link capacitors for a dual inverter system driving two PMSMs. In this paper, the input current of each inverter is analyzed using Double Fourier Analysis, and the harmonic components of the dc-link capacitor current are determined. The carrier wave phase shifting method is proposed to reduce the magnitude of the harmonics and thus reduce the dc-link capacitor current. Furthermore, the optimum angle between the carrier waves for the maximum reduction in the dc-link capacitor current is analyzed and simulated for different scenarios considering the speed and load torque of the PMSMs. The proposed method is verified through experiments and PMSMs are driven by three-phase voltage source inverters (VSIs) modulated with Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM), which is the most common PWM strategy. The proposed method reduces the dc-link capacitor current by 60%, thereby significantly decreasing the required dc-link capacitance, the volume of the drive system, and its cost. Full article

In this paper, a variable gear ratio for active steering systems with a double planetary gear configuration is presented to optimize the steering performance of commercial vehicles. First, a variable transmission ratio system with a dual-row planetary gear mechanism is developed in ADAMS/Car, where the steering mechanism’s transmission ratio can be adjusted according to different driving conditions, thereby improving the vehicle’s stability and sensitivity. Second, a new type of dual-inverter permanent magnet synchronous motor (DPMSM) has been designed to solve the power limitation problem in the electric drive steering of commercial vehicles. Finally, the step steering and lane change driving scenarios are chosen for co-simulation using ADAMS/Car and MATLAB to evaluate the proposed method’s effectiveness. The co-simulation results show that the proposed variable transmission ratio and control strategy can effectively improve the steering sensitivity and stability of commercial vehicles. Full article

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are set to play a crucial role in the energy transition. Although EVs offer significant environmental benefits, their technology still faces major challenges related to performance optimization, energy efficiency improvement, and cost reduction. A key point to address these challenges is the accurate identification of the speed/torque operating points of the drive systems. However, this identification is generally achieved using mechanical sensors, which are fragile, bulky, and expensive. This paper aims to develop, implement, and validate a speed/torque observer in real time based on the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) approach for an EV equipped with an Open-End Winding Induction Motor with Dual Inverter (OEWIM-DI). The implementation of the EKF is based on the state modeling of the OEWIM-DI, enabling the observation of the torque and speed using voltage and current measurements. The validation of this approach is conducted experimentally on the FPGA and DS1104 boards. The results show that this approach offers excellent performance in terms of accuracy, stability, and real-time response speed. These results suggest that the proposed method could significantly contribute to the advancement of EV technology by providing a more robust and cost-effective alternative to traditional mechanical sensors while improving the overall efficiency and performance of EV drive systems. Full article

In this paper, to achieve versatile, cost-effective charging for dual-motor EVs, a multi-functional integrated onboard charger is constructed using a dual-motor driving system. In the driving mode, a five-phase flux-switching permanent-magnet (FSPM) motor powers the front, while a three-phase FSPM motor drives the rear. While in the charging mode, different topologies are adopted for different application scenarios, such as the single-phase AC charging mode, the three-phase AC charging mode, and the DC charging mode. The five-phase FSPM motor and its inverters serve as a boost-based AC/DC converter in both single-phase and three-phase AC charging modes, transforming grid power to DC. In the DC charging mode, they are reconfigured to function as a buck converter. During the three-phase AC charging mode, the three-phase FSPM motor and its inverters take on the role of a rear-stage buck converter. They function to regulate the rectified DC voltage, ensuring it meets battery charging needs. The performance of the integrated charger is validated through simulation and experiment results. Full article

This paper is about the development and demonstration of a motor drive for e-transport applications based on an innovative hybrid Si-SiC dual switching frequency interleaved buck–boost Y-inverter and a single-rotor Halbach machine. In particular, the focus is the implementation of the required discontinuous inverter modulation scheme, input voltage feed-forward and motor currents feedback control loops, as well as over-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature protections, using an off-the-shelf commercial hardware platform enabling straightforward Simulink-environment programming of all parts, while ensuring the high switching frequency capability required by wide-band-gap semiconductors. Experimental results showed good inverter efficiency, transient dynamic response to load changes, input voltage regulation, and fully functional protection capability, validating the proposed approach as a powerful option for reducing system development time and cost. Full article

The paper relates to the development of an algorithm applicable for maintaining the rotational speed of low-speed drives using PMSM motors and operating under a sign-changing load. The moment of inertia of rotating parts does not play the role of a mechanical stabilizer for the speeds discussed in the article. Simulation studies are presented with the aim of developing a rotational speed control algorithm that utilizes only positional feedback and the previously assumed sign-changing load on the shaft. For the purposes of this research, a mathematical model was developed to calculate transient processes in a PMSM machine operating in the conditions of a sign-changing load on the shaft. This model assumes a deterministic control principle adapted to the known nature of the load change. In this model, the mutual influence occurring between the phase fluxes, the electromagnetic torque, the electric currents and the rotor position angle are established on the basis of FEM analysis of a two-dimensional magnetic field using a quasi-stationary approximation. Principles applicable for controlling a direct low-speed servo drive based on a PMSM machine operating with a known variable shaft load using only positional feedback and a predetermined shaft load change law are defined. The proposed regulation method is verified in an experimental manner. For this purpose, an experimental setup was built, which includes a PMSM with a load imitator on a variable sign shaft, an inverter providing sine-shaped power supply to the machine and a digital dual-processor control system. The discussed rotational speed stabilization algorithm was implemented in the form of a program for a microcontroller, which forms a part of the control system. The results of experimental tests confirm the adequacy of mathematical modeling and the effectiveness of the proposed rotational speed stabilization algorithm. Full article

This research proposes a strategy to diagnose open-phase faults (OPF) and open-switching faults (OSF) in dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (DTP-PMSM) inverters. The method is based on the dual d–q predictive current model and involves establishing a mathematical model and utilizing the finite control set model predictive current extraction technique to predict the motor current. It then analyzes the characteristics of the switching-tube current under both normal and fault conditions. Finally, a fault predictive current model is introduced and the residual is calculated based on the predicted fault current value and the actual measured current value to diagnose the inverter fault. The proposed method effectively overcomes misjudgment issues encountered in traditional open-circuit fault diagnosis of inverters. It enhances the system’s response speed during dynamic processes and strengthens the robustness of diagnosis algorithm parameters. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can rapidly, effectively, and accurately diagnose open-circuit faults presented in this paper fastest within one-fifth of a current cycle. It achieves a diagnostic accuracy rate of 97% in the dual three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system. Full article

This article presents a comprehensive comparative evaluation of a three-phase Three-Level (3L) Flying Capacitor Converter (FCC) and a Stacked Polyphase Bridge Inverter (SPBI), specifically a converter system formed by two Series-Stacked Two-Level three-phase Converters (2L-SSC), for the realization of a 7.5 kW Integrated Motor Drive (IMD) with a high short-term overload capability. The 2L-SSC requires a motor with two three-phase windings and a split DC-link, but uses standard six-switch, two-level transistor configurations. In contrast, the bridge legs of the 3L-FCC feature flying capacitors whose voltages must be actively balanced. Despite the 800 V DC-link voltage, both topologies employ the same set of 650 V GaN power transistors, i.e., the same total chip area, and if operated at the same switching frequency, show identical semiconductor losses. Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) damage of the motor bearings is a relevant issue caused by the common-mode (CM) voltages of the inverter stage. The high effective switching frequency of the 3L-FCC and the possibility of CM voltage canceling in the 2L-SSC facilitate mitigation of EDM by means of CM chokes, whereby a substantially smaller CM choke with lower losses suffices for the 2L-SSC; based on exemplary designs, the 2L-SSC features only about 75% of the total volume and 85% of the nominal losses of the 3L-FCC. If, alternatively, motor-friendliness is maximized by including DC-referenced sine-wave output filters, the 3L-FCC’s higher effective switching frequency and the 2L-SSC’s need for two sets of filters due to the dual-winding-set motor change the outcome. In this case, the 3L-FCC features only about 60% of the volume and only about 55% of the 2L-SSC’s nominal losses. Full article

The increasing popularity of electric drives employing an isolated dual-inverter (DI) topology is motivated by their superior DC-link voltage and power utilization, fault-tolerant operation, and potential for multilevel operation. These attributes are significant in battery-powered transportation, such as electric vehicles and aviation. Given the considerable freedom in modulation and control of the DI topology, this paper researches the impact of reference voltage vector distribution between the two individual inverters. The study also evaluates the influence of two well-established asynchronous modulation strategies—Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) and Depenbrock’s Discontinuous Modulation (DPWM1). Since simulation tools nowadays play a crucial role in power electronics design and concept verification, the results are based on extensive and detailed models in Matlab/Simulink. Employing the basic field-oriented control of a 12 kW induction motor with precisely parameterized SiC switching devices for accurate loss calculation, this research reveals the possibility of significant energy savings at multiple operating points. Notably, optimal efficiency is achieved when one inverter operates up to half of the nominal speed while the other solely establishes a neutral point for the winding. Moreover, the results highlight DPWM1 as a superior strategy for the DI topology, showcasing reduced converter losses. Overall, it is shown that the system’s losses can be significantly reduced just by the design of the voltage vector distribution in the drive’s operating range and the modulation strategy selection. Full article

A modular approach to the construction of electric machines, drive systems, power supply systems is a new direction of modern technology development. Especially, the modular approach is promising for electric vehicles due to such positive aspects as increased efficiency, fault tolerance, overall reliability, safety, enhanced control capabilities, etc. In this work, the modular approach is comprehensively applied to an EV powertrain system, which includes a dual three-phase (DTP) BLDC motor with two machine modules of an asymmetric configuration, two battery modules and a supercapacitor module (SCM). The proposed H–H configuration of modular EV powertrain system includes four voltage source inverters that combine the power modules with the open ends of the windings (OEW) of the module machine armature, and provide control of their operation. Based on the developed mode system of the OEW machine module operation for EV traction and braking, a general control algorithm for the proposed configuration of the modular EV powertrain system has been developed. It combines the control of the operating modes with the functions of maintaining the required SOC level of the SCM and equalizing the SOCs of the two battery modules. The conducted simulation and experimental studies confirmed the workability and effectiveness of the proposed solutions. Full article

The electric mode is the main operational mode of dual-motor hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), so the reliability of the dual-motor electric drive system (DEDS) is particularly important. To research the electromechanical coupling mechanism of the DEDS of HEVs, firstly, considering the time-varying mesh stiffness of gears and the nonlinear characteristics of inverters, an electromechanical coupling dynamics model of the DEDS was established, including the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) and the gear transmission system. Then, the electromechanical coupled dynamic characteristics of the DEDS in the single-motor and dual-motor drive modes were analyzed under steady-state and impact load conditions, respectively. The results show that the motor stator current frequency is modulated by the complicated gear meshing frequency, and the operation state of the gear transmission system can thus be monitored in the stator current. Impact load causes the instantaneous torsional vibration of the transmission system dominated by the first-order natural frequency, and the vibration characteristic frequency appears in the form of a side frequency in the stator current signal; moreover, compared with the single-motor drive mode, the speed synchronization error in the dual-motor drive mode will aggravate torsional vibration in the gear system. The impact energy of the gear system caused by external impact load can be suppressed by reducing the speed synchronization error. Full article

An electric vehicle uses multiple energy-storage systems to power the traction motor. Dual-source inverters (DSIs) are used for single-stage power conversion by skipping the dc/dc boost converter stage; therefore, eliminating the passive magnetic storing element which improves the overall efficiency of the drive; moreover, multiple energy-storage systems improve the power density of the system. This article discusses the fine control of a traction motor from zero speed to rated speed supplied through a dual-source inverter. Field-oriented control with space vector modulation technique is applied to achieve closed-loop control. Two dc sources are used, one having a higher-voltage battery and one a lower-voltage battery. The higher-voltage battery is the main battery which supplies power to the traction motor, whereas the lower-voltage battery supplies power to supplementary loads of the EV. This article presents improved dynamic behaviour of an induction-motor-driven EV fed from a dual-source inverter using modified closed-loop field-oriented control with space vector modulation. The improvement includes reduced control complexity due to space vector modulation and achieving the option of EV operation in an emergent situation using the same converter and control system. The simulated performance of the presented system is obtained in MATLAB/Simulink. A step-down experimental prototype is used for verification of effective control of the induction motor as the EV is under constant torque variable speed operation with real-time parameters such as power, power factor, current harmonics, and voltage/current stresses across the switch using two batteries individually. Full article

Power electronics-based converters have been widely used in several applications, specifically electric propulsion systems. Ongoing advancements in converters have led to high-gain Quadratic Boost Converters (QBC) which control Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) drive. In this work, a novel scheme is employed, particularly a three-phase inverter between QBC and PMSM operated by a dual-mode controller strategy. Precisely, the novelty of this work is to use the quadratic boost converter to control the PMSM drive by applying different control strategies. This work also demonstrates the simulation of two different current control strategies applied to a Semi-Converter (SC) fed QBC based on PMSM-based EV. It also presents the strategy, inquiry, and model of SC-based QBC three-phase inverter (TPI) fed PMSM with symmetrical operated PI (Proportional Integral), FOPID (Fractional Order Proportional Integral Derivative), and PR (Proportional Resonant) controllers. The simulated results offer a significant improvement in PMSM parameters compared with the PI-PI framework, notably voltage, speed, and torque against source disturbances. Further, the PR-PR control approach provides better time-domain parameters than the PI-PI control strategy (including the least rise time (T_r) of 1.15 s, peak time (T_p) of 2.38 s, settling time (T_s) of 4.12 s, and steady-state error (E_ss) of 4.89 s). Furthermore, the experimental module is designed to test the effectiveness of the proposed control strategies and was found to be more advantageous in dual mode symmetric PR-PR controlled SC-based QBC-TPI fed PMSM. Full article