Electromechanical system with IPM motor used in electric or hybrid vehicle

Abstract

Purpose

In the last few years, the understanding of environmental problems has grown. Car producers – original equipment manufacturers – are aiming to reduce fuel consumption and pollution. In order to fulfil these aims, new technologies have been launched. Many hydraulics systems have been removed and replaced with electric ones, e.g. power steering, water and oil pump, etc. In this paper, an electromechanical subsystem used in an automotive application is analyzed. The subsystem is composed of interior permanent synchronous magnet motor and electronic control unit. The range of mechanical output power for studied system is up to 1 kW. The aim of this paper is to compare electromechanical systems working with different on‐board voltage levels in order to find the optimum balance between motors' and electronics' efficiency. This will help to decrease the total system's weight, the consequence of which will decrease fuel consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

During the analysis, the reduced order modelling (ROM) techniques has been applied. First, with utilization of finite‐elemente‐methode the basic motor's parameter like: synchronous inductance and flux per pole as a function of the direct‐axis current and also the quadrature‐axis current are calculated. In the second step, these parameters are used in the system simulation. During this simulation, the maximum torque per ampere control strategy together with ROM techniques was used.

Findings

As a result, the performance of the system for different voltage levels has been obtained. Additionally, the important factors for an electromechanical system, such as maximum power density, sizing and cost of the total electromechanical system, have been compared.

Practical implications

The performed comparison shows that the cost optimized system should work with the higher voltage, where the electric motor size is reduced ca. 25 per cent. This result is also valid for different electromechanical systems in an automotive area, e.g. automated manual transmission, engine cooling and electric compressor.

Originality/value

It is the first paper, where electric power steering system design for different on‐board voltage levels has been systematically analyzed and compared. Results from this paper can be also applied to different electromechanical systems mounted in hybrid or electric cars.

Citation

Ombach, G. (2011), "Electromechanical system with IPM motor used in electric or hybrid vehicle", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 30 No. 1, pp. 137-150. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641111091485