Abstract:
A method for controlling an inverter coupled to an electric motor for a vehicle includes generating a discontinuous PWM signal for the inverter when a torque of the electric motor and a speed of the electric motor are substantially zero, and when at least one predetermined vehicle condition is met.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring current in an electric motor. An electrical system comprises a direct current (DC) interface, an electric motor, and an inverter module between the DC interface and the electric motor. A first current sensor is configured to measure a DC current flowing between the DC interface and the inverter module. A second current sensor is configured to measure a first phase current flowing through the first phase of the electric motor. A control module is coupled to the current sensors, and the control module is configured to determine an expected value for the first phase current based at least in part on the DC current measured by the first current sensor and take remedial action based on a difference between the expected value and the measured first phase current.
Abstract:
A double ended inverter system suitable for use with an AC electric traction motor of a vehicle is provided. The double ended inverter system cooperates with a first DC energy source and a second DC energy source, which may have different nominal voltages. The double ended inverter system includes an impedance source inverter subsystem configured to drive the AC electric traction motor using the first energy source, and an inverter subsystem configured to drive the AC electric traction motor using the second energy source. The double ended inverter system also utilizes a controller coupled to the impedance source inverter subsystem and to the inverter subsystem. The controller is configured to control the impedance source inverter subsystem and the inverter subsystem in accordance with a boost operating mode, a traditional inverter operating mode, and a recharge operating mode of the double ended inverter system.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. The motor includes a plurality of windings. Each winding is coupled to a respective set of first and second switches. The first switch of each set of switches is simultaneously activated. Current flow through the plurality of windings is measured while the first switch of each set of switches is activated. The electric motor is controlled according to a first motor control method if the measured current is below a predetermined threshold. The electric motor is controlled according to a second motor control method if the measured current is above the predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power are provided. A first phase of the AC power is generated based on a first carrier signal. A second phase of the AC power is generated based on a second carrier signal.
Abstract:
An automotive system includes an electric motor, a direct current (DC) power supply coupled to the electric motor, a power converter including at least one conversion switch coupled between the electric motor and the DC power supply and a braking circuit coupled between the electric motor and the DC power supply, the braking circuit including a braking resistor and a braking switch, and a controller in operable communication with the electric motor, the DC power supply, the at least one conversion switch, and the braking switch. The controller is configured to operate the at least one conversion switch when the electric motor is mechanically actuated such that current flows from the electric motor to the DC power supply and selectively operate the braking switch when a braking parameter of the automotive system exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to either a commanded torque of the electric motor being above a first torque level, or a commanded speed of the electric motor being above a first speed level, controlling the power inverter with a discontinuous pulse width modulated (DPWM) signal to generate a modulated voltage waveform for driving the electric motor. Additionally, the embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to both a commanded torque of the electric motor being below the first torque level, and a commanded speed of the electric motor being below the first speed level, controlling the power inverter with a continuous pulse width modulated (CPWM) signal to generate the modulated voltage waveform for driving the electric motor.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of onboard energy storage systems of a plurality of plug-in vehicles using a remote command center. A system for directing the charging of a plurality of remotely located plug-in vehicles is provided. The system includes a communication system configured to transmit charging authorizations to charge each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles and to receive data related to power consumption from each of the plurality of plug-in vehicles. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the communication system and configured to receive the data related to power consumption and to direct the charge authorizations based thereon. A database is also included in the system and is communicatively coupled to the controller, with the database configured to store the data related to power consumption.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for operating a motor coupled to an electrical bus in a vehicle are provided. Selected resonant frequencies of the electrical bus are determined. The selected resonant frequencies include a low resonant frequency and a high resonant frequency. Power is provided to the motor through at least one switch operating at a switching frequency. The switching frequency is controlled as a function of a rate of operation of the motor. The function is characterized by one of a first substantially linear portion having a first slope when the switching frequency is less than or equal to a selected switching frequency and a second substantially linear portion having a second slope if the switching frequency is greater than the selected frequency, the selected switching frequency being greater than the low resonant frequency and a substantially linear portion having a y-intercept being greater than the low resonant frequency.
Abstract:
Systems and apparatus are provided for an inverter system for use in a vehicle having a first energy source and a second energy source. The inverter system comprises an electric motor having a first set of windings and a second set of windings. The inverter system further comprises a first inverter coupled to the first energy source and adapted to drive the electric motor, wherein the first set of windings are coupled to the first inverter. The inverter system also comprises a second inverter coupled to the second energy source and adapted to drive the electric motor, wherein the second set of windings are coupled to the second inverter. A controller is coupled to the first inverter and the second inverter to achieve desired power flow between the first energy source, the second energy source, and the electric motor.