A method for in-situ characterization of PMSM traction machines

Abstract

This paper presents a method that characterizes permanent magnet synchronous traction machines connected to the drivetrain of vehicles. The method does not need additional equipment but uses the control system of the vehicle to conduct the tests. The voltage reference from the control system together with measurements of the angular frequency yield the electromagnetic characteristics of the machine after a set of accelerations and retardations. The method can also detect an increase in the speed-dependent losses by comparing the present mechanical dynamics to earlier measurements. Simulations show that the principle of the method works well, which points towards a potential to contribute to a more efficient traction machine evaluation.