Case Study of NEDC and WLTP Driving Cycle Test Methods on Inverter Efficiency and Losses
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Visual Presentation (Poster, Installation, Demonstration)
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty Sponsor
Narayan Kar
Proposal
For performance verification of electric motors in vehicular application, they need to be tested using drive cycles which simulate real driving conditions. Previously, the drive cycle model for testing was the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Currently all automotive companies and OEMs are using the World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) method for testing drive cycles performance of electric motor. The WLTP method is the most accurate method for testing electric vehicles and their performance through its simulation of real world driving conditions considering both city and highway driving. The results from these tests allow for more precise data which is used to further enhance and develop electric motors for vehicular applications. One such component that benefits from this technique is the inverter. Inverters control the frequency of the AC power sent to the motor, which allows for speed and torque control of the motor. The inverter takes AC power, converts it to DC power, and then converts it back to AC power at the desired frequency and voltage. Inverter losses occur during the operation of the inverter. Improving the efficiency of an inverter is vital for better vehicle system efficiency. The electric motor with control was modelled in Simulink. The complete electrical system of the vehicle was operated through the drive cycle and the results were analyzed. The inverter losses are obtained so that the efficiency can be calculated. The goal was to reduce the operation losses and increase the efficiency of the inverter during operation. The preliminary tests for the WLTP have shown that the average inverter efficiency of 80.97%. The simulation will be repeated for NEDC too. Simulating the model will continue to provide the results for the NEDC method. Future work will involve more intensive testing of the motors under the different driving cycles.
Location
Charge Labs, University of Windsor
Grand Challenges
Sustainable Industry
Case Study of NEDC and WLTP Driving Cycle Test Methods on Inverter Efficiency and Losses
Charge Labs, University of Windsor
For performance verification of electric motors in vehicular application, they need to be tested using drive cycles which simulate real driving conditions. Previously, the drive cycle model for testing was the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Currently all automotive companies and OEMs are using the World Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) method for testing drive cycles performance of electric motor. The WLTP method is the most accurate method for testing electric vehicles and their performance through its simulation of real world driving conditions considering both city and highway driving. The results from these tests allow for more precise data which is used to further enhance and develop electric motors for vehicular applications. One such component that benefits from this technique is the inverter. Inverters control the frequency of the AC power sent to the motor, which allows for speed and torque control of the motor. The inverter takes AC power, converts it to DC power, and then converts it back to AC power at the desired frequency and voltage. Inverter losses occur during the operation of the inverter. Improving the efficiency of an inverter is vital for better vehicle system efficiency. The electric motor with control was modelled in Simulink. The complete electrical system of the vehicle was operated through the drive cycle and the results were analyzed. The inverter losses are obtained so that the efficiency can be calculated. The goal was to reduce the operation losses and increase the efficiency of the inverter during operation. The preliminary tests for the WLTP have shown that the average inverter efficiency of 80.97%. The simulation will be repeated for NEDC too. Simulating the model will continue to provide the results for the NEDC method. Future work will involve more intensive testing of the motors under the different driving cycles.