Abstract: Techniques are presented for more efficient three-phase inverter control for electrified vehicles (EVs). The techniques can be executed by a controller of an EV that includes one or more processors. Specifically, the techniques include closed-loop discontinuous pulse-width modulation (DPWM) control of a three-phase inverter based on electric motor current feedback. The three-phase inverter control techniques can be further based on electric motor/rotor position feedback. Based on the feedback, the techniques can select one of a plurality of zero-voltage vectors in real-time. The selected zero-voltage vector can be used when generating duty cycles for switching of the three-phase inverter, which can result in decreased switching losses and increased efficiency of the three-phase inverter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) are presented. In an exemplary implementation, phase current ripple estimation techniques are utilized for variable frequency switching pulse-width modulation control of the IPMSM. In one implementation, the method includes controlling a three-phase inverter based on an initial switching frequency to generate a three-phase alternating current (AC) voltage for the IPMSM. Transformed voltages are determined in a rotating reference frame based on the three-phase AC voltage in the stationary reference frame. Current ripples are determined in the rotating reference frame based on the transformed voltages. Phase current ripples are determined in the stationary reference frame based on the current ripples in the rotating reference frame. A modified switching frequency for the three-phase inverter is determined based on the initial switching frequency and the phase current ripples.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) are presented. In an exemplary implementation, phase current ripple estimation techniques are utilized for variable frequency switching pulse-width modulation control of the IPMSM. In one implementation, the method includes controlling a three-phase inverter based on an initial switching frequency to generate a three-phase alternating current (AC) voltage for the IPMSM. Transformed voltages are determined in a rotating reference frame based on the three-phase AC voltage in the stationary reference frame. Current ripples are determined in the rotating reference frame based on the transformed voltages. Phase current ripples are determined in the stationary reference frame based on the current ripples in the rotating reference frame. A modified switching frequency for the three-phase inverter is determined based on the initial switching frequency and the phase current ripples.

Abstract: A device to remove a metal servo horn in an efficient way by utilizing the lifting force to separate servo horn from a servo output shaft when screw is rotated counter-clockwise and hits against the concave of lower surface of upper front plate of the device. Clamping force provided by two fastening members combines the device and servo horn into one integrated unit to avoid the distortion of open end of the device when lifting force is greater than rigidity of the device. When a lifting force for removing the integrated unit is applied in direction opposite to installing direction of servo horn, it overcomes the friction between the inner splines of servo horn and the outer splines of servo output shaft then separates both splines. The removal of the servo horn from the servo output shaft is achieved.

Abstract: Techniques are presented for more efficient three-phase inverter control for electrified vehicles (EVs). The techniques can be executed by a controller of an EV that includes one or more processors. Specifically, the techniques include closed-loop discontinuous pulse-width modulation (DPWM) control of a three-phase inverter based on electric motor current feedback. The three-phase inverter control techniques can be further based on electric motor/rotor position feedback. Based on the feedback, the techniques can select one of a plurality of zero-voltage vectors in real-time. The selected zero-voltage vector can be used when generating duty cycles for switching of the three-phase inverter, which can result in decreased switching losses and increased efficiency of the three-phase inverter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor. An electric motor apparatus has an electric motor with motor stator windings, a battery, battery control module coupled to the battery and configured to monitor and detect a state of the battery, and a motor control unit coupled to the battery and the batter control module and being configured to select an operation of the electric motor based on a signal from the battery control module representing the state of the battery. The motor control unit selects a normal motor control operation, a power dissipation motor control operation, or a discharge operation. During the power dissipation motor control operation, power from brake torque is dissipated in the motor stator windings of the electric motor.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor with an optimized maximum torque per ampere trajectory curve. The system and method use a real-time particle swarm technique that requires less known parameters than standard maximum torque per ampere trajectory techniques.

Abstract: A device to remove a metal servo horn in an efficient way by utilizing the lifting force to separate servo horn from a servo output shaft when screw is rotated counter-clockwise and hits against the concave of lower surface of upper front plate of the device. Clamping force provided by two fastening members combines the device and servo horn into one integrated unit to avoid the distortion of open end of the device when lifting force is greater than rigidity of the device. When a lifting force for removing the integrated unit is applied in direction opposite to installing direction of servo horn, it overcomes the friction between the inner splines of servo horn and the outer splines of servo output shaft then separates both splines. The removal of the servo horn from the servo output shaft is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor with an optimized maximum torque per ampere trajectory curve. The system and method use a real-time particle swarm technique that requires less known parameters than standard maximum torque per ampere trajectory techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor. An electric motor apparatus has an electric motor with motor stator windings, a battery, battery control module coupled to the battery and configured to monitor and detect a state of the battery, and a motor control unit coupled to the battery and the batter control module and being configured to select an operation of the electric motor based on a signal from the battery control module representing the state of the battery. The motor control unit selects a normal motor control operation, a power dissipation motor control operation, or a discharge operation. During the power dissipation motor control operation, power from brake torque is dissipated in the motor stator windings of the electric motor.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating a resolver are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives at least one output signal from the resolver, the resolver detecting a current position of a rotor coupled to the resolver; determines if the current position of the rotor is detected by a first pole-pair of the resolver or if the current position is detected by a second pole-pair of the resolver; in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the first pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a first resolver angle error information; and in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the second pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a second resolver angle error information.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a permanent magnet motor are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives a torque command and a flux command; receives information corresponding to a direct current (DC) bus voltage and a motor speed; computationally determines feedforward direct-axis current information and feedforward quadrature-axis current information from a plurality of parameters associated with the permanent magnet motor; determines a current signal (idq*) based upon at least the requested torque command, the flux command, the DC bus voltage, the motor speed, the feedforward direct-axis current information, and the feedforward quadrature-axis current information; and controls a power inverter that converts DC power into alternating current (AC) power that is supplied to the permanent magnet motor, such that the permanent magnet motor is operated in accordance with the determined idq*.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating a resolver are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives at least one output signal from the resolver, the resolver detecting a current position of a rotor coupled to the resolver; determines if the current position of the rotor is detected by a first pole-pair of the resolver or if the current position is detected by a second pole-pair of the resolver; in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the first pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a first resolver angle error information; and in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the second pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a second resolver angle error information.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating a resolver are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives at least one output signal from the resolver, the resolver detecting a current position of a rotor coupled to the resolver; determines if the current position of the rotor is detected by a first pole-pair of the resolver or if the current position is detected by a second pole-pair of the resolver; in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the first pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a first resolver angle error information; and in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the second pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a second resolver angle error information.

Abstract: A control system, method and article allows a monitoring module to monitor operation of a main controller in an electric drive, by providing questions and evaluating the accuracy and/or timeliness of responses from the main controller. Upon detection of an excessive number of incorrect or late responses, the monitoring module can shutdown operation, and may provide an alternative communications path, thereby preventing corrupt data from reaching a vehicle network, while providing communications for diagnostic and recovery such as by provision of new software or firmware instructions. The main controller may monitor the operation of the monitoring module, taking appropriate action if a fault is detected. Disabling a supply of power to a traction motor may be based on current operating conditions, such as speed.

Abstract: A system and method for compensating a resolver are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives at least one output signal from the resolver, the resolver detecting a current position of a rotor coupled to the resolver; determines if the current position of the rotor is detected by a first pole-pair of the resolver or if the current position is detected by a second pole-pair of the resolver; in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the first pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a first resolver angle error information; and in response to determining that the current position of the rotor is detected by the second pole-pair, synchronizes the output signal from the resolver with a second resolver angle error information.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a permanent magnet motor are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment receives a torque command and a flux command; receives information corresponding to a direct current (DC) bus voltage and a motor speed; computationally determines feedforward direct-axis current information and feedforward quadrature-axis current information from a plurality of parameters associated with the permanent magnet motor; determines a current signal (idq*) based upon at least the requested torque command, the flux command, the DC bus voltage, the motor speed, the feedforward direct-axis current information, and the feedforward quadrature-axis current information; and controls a power inverter that converts DC power into alternating current (AC) power that is supplied to the permanent magnet motor, such that the permanent magnet motor is operated in accordance with the determined idq*.

Abstract: A control system, method and article allows a monitoring module to monitor operation of a main controller in an electric drive, by providing questions and evaluating the accuracy and/or timeliness of responses from the main controller. Upon detection of an excessive number of incorrect or late responses, the monitoring module can shutdown operation, and may provide an alternative communications path, thereby preventing corrupt data from reaching a vehicle network, while providing communications for diagnostic and recovery such as by provision of new software or firmware instructions. The main controller may monitor the operation of the monitoring module, taking appropriate action if a fault is detected. Disabling a supply of power to a traction motor may be based on current operating conditions, such as speed.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing faults using a load. In the method IGBTs are controlled such that certain currents are expected. If the currents are not as expected, a fault may be diagnosed.