A 35 kW Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Permanent-Magnet Motor Traction Drive

70573 Advances in both the motor and power electronics converters are needed for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) traction drive applications. In particular, improved constant power performance needs to be demonstrated over a wide speed range. This project will design and test an interior permanent magnet (PM) machine drive that is optimized for cost and performance. The interior PM machine is chosen because of its inherent flux-weakening capability and because of the relatively simple, low cost, design requirements for the mating power electronics drive. Prototype construction and testing of the interior PM machine will be conducted in Phase I to evaluate and improve the design and analysis models. Modified designs of existing fixturing and automotive motor drives will be employed. Manufacturing and assembly cost reduction opportunities will also be identified. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The resulting motor drive should be directly applicable for use as a HEV traction drive, resulting in lower cost and higher performance HEVs. Also, with limited modification, the optimized design could be applied as a 42V integrated starter/generator.