Enhanced Electric Vehicle Powertrain Efficiency with Optimized Loss-Minimizing Control

Electric vehicles (EVs) undergo dynamic drive cycles, characterized by fluctuating speed and torque, necessitating efficient and high-performance drive systems to extend their driving range. This study introduces an innovative approach to enhance EV efficiency through an indirect vector control mechanism coupled with an online loss minimization algorithm. The algorithm strategically optimizes the d-axis stator current, significantly reducing controllable electrical losses, such as core and copper losses, thereby boosting overall efficiency. The implementation utilizes an Open-End Winding Induction Motor (OEWIM), powered by a trio of single-phase H-bridge inverters. Comprehensive simulation tests validate the effectiveness of the control algorithm, which is further substantiated through empirical experiments conducted in a laboratory setting. This approach not only promises increased efficiency in EV drive systems but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in electric vehicle technology.