Abstract
In modern electric propulsion systems the electric motor is tightly integrated with the power converter and control unit. These so called Integrated Motor Drives can allow for vast improvements in efficiency and volume reduction, due to the elimination of redundant electric components, and the shared case and cooling system between the motor and the power converter. The cooling systems used in these applications must be carefully designed as the motor and power electronics components may feature greatly different temperature limits. This work discusses the development of a thermal model for an integrated motor drive composed by a six phase permanent magnet motor with hairpin windings and a switching-cell-array-based multilevel power converter. The system is modelled by means of a lumped parameter thermal network which includes an accurate model of the motor stator and rotor, as well as the arrangement of the power switches on the converter boards. The conductive resistances are simply obtained from geometric data and material properties. Instead, the convective resistances are evaluated by means of empirical models available in the literature and a CFD model for the cooling jacket. The developed model is employed to assess the feasibility of the presented arrangement of motor and power electronics components from the thermal point of view.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
