Approach to Develop Reliable Two-Wheeler EV Powertrains

Abstract

In the past decade, the transportation industry has witnessed a rapid transition from conventional fossil fuels to electric power. This shift has spurred diverse electrification initiatives spanning various vehicle categories, including E-cycles, 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles. Central to these road transport vehicles are essential components such as battery systems, electric motors, and field-oriented controllers. These controllers’ interface with the vehicle control unit, optimizing motor performance across diverse operational conditions. The reliability of the core motor and controller system is of paramount importance, ensuring seamless operation throughout its life. Notably, certain applications, like 2-wheeler, demand customized designs with compact configurations to save space and eliminate excessive wiring. This necessitates heightened reliability due to limited serviceability within these confined designs. This paper outlines a comprehensive strategy for achieving holistic reliability within the context of 2-wheel electric vehicle (EV) motors and controllers. It addresses the challenges encountered in enhancing reliability and proposes a systematic approach for assessment and improvement. The proposed methodology involves the utilization of established tools such as Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Reliability Block Diagrams (RBD). Furthermore, this approach incorporates advanced techniques like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, along with adherence to industry-wide standards. By adopting this structured methodology, manufacturers and researchers can effectively evaluate and enhance the reliability of 2-wheel EV powertrains. The integration of diverse analytical tools, simulation methods, and industry best practices collectively contributes to the attainment of a robust and dependable electric vehicle powertrain system.