Efficiency Analysis of Induction Motor Control Strategies Using a System-Level EV Model

This paper presents a comparative study on the effect of two commonly used induction motor (IM) control strategies on motor and inverter efficiency of battery electric vehicles over standard drive cycles. An electric vehicle (EV) model is created for the 2015 Chevrolet Spark EV and verified using experimental data. After model verification, the Spark permanent magnet synchronous motor is replaced with a detailed IM and controller model. Simulation results for both Field Oriented Control (FOC) with constant rated flux and Maximum Torque Per Ampere (MTPA) control over a test drive cycle are given to validate the good tracking capability of IM current and speed controllers. The effect of control method and drive cycle on motor and inverter efficiency is illustrated by comparing efficiency calculation results for three standard drive cycles (UDDS, HWFET and US06).