Simulation of synchronization control strategies and energy consumption in multi-motor systems for electric vehicles

Abstract The transportation sector experiences a revolutionary change due to the fast adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) which offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles with internal combustion engines. EV performance optimization and efficiency enhancement gains importance as electrification advances further. Achieving high efficiency and reliable vehicle performance depends heavily on motor synchronization as an essential element. Multi-motor systems show increasing popularity in EV designs because they enable improved torque delivery as well as better traction and handling capabilities. The study conducted simulations of two motors which operated with PID control and open-loop configurations. A MATLAB code was designed to replicate both open-loop operations and PID control systems which provided dynamic capabilities for PID parameters adjustment. The optimization of PID control parameters (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) occurred through a parametric study that employed low, medium and high gain values. The study evaluated motor performance through various speed settings (1000 RPM, 2000 RPM, 3000 RPM) together with different load torques (13 Nm, 30 Nm, 50 Nm). Energy consumption and synchronization errors were tracked across the entire simulation period. The implementation of PID control resulted in substantial error reduction where stabilization reached below 1 RPM after the initial stabilization period. The motor achieved better synchronization with higher speeds at 2000 RPM and 3000 RPM but the combination of higher torques at 30 Nm and 50 Nm produced more synchronization errors and higher energy consumption. The implementation of PID control resulted in a synchronization error reduction that exceeded 75% compared to open-loop operation thus providing consistent motor speed synchronization.