Temperature Rise Estimation of Induction Motor Drives Based on Loadability Curves to Facilitate Design of Electric Powertrains

Abstract

Thermal protection limits are equally important as mechanical specifications when designing electric drivetrains. However, properties of motor drives like mass/length of copper winding or heat dissipation factor are not available in producers’ catalogs. The lack of this essential data prevents the effective selection of drivetrain components and makes it necessary to consult critical design decisions with equipment's suppliers. Therefore, in this paper, the popular loadability curves that are available in catalogs become a basis to formulate a method that allows to estimate temperature rise of motor drives. The current technique allows for evaluating a temperature rise of a motor drive for any overload magnitude, duty cycle, and ambient temperature, contrary to using a discrete set of permissible overload conditions that are provided by manufacturers. The proposed approach is based on industrially adopted practices, greatly improves flexibility of a design process, and facilitates communication in a supplier–customer dialog.