Thermal and Efficiency Analysis of High-Power Traction Inverters: Methodology and Case Studies

This study presents a methodology for determining the efficiency of electric motors and the thermal behavior of inverters, with a focus on the associated losses. An integrated simulation approach was developed, incorporating JMAG motor models, PLECs software for loss calculation, and Simulink for comprehensive system simulation. The methodology was validated through a vehicle’s driving and start-up cycles, producing efficiency maps across various operating conditions, including different switching frequencies and bus voltage levels. The results highlight the broad applicability of this simulation methodology to various types of machines and semiconductor technologies. This approach is particularly effective for accelerating the development of traction inverters, providing valuable insights for optimizing system performance.