High Power Density, 48V Electrified Drivetrain Technology for Future Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

A duplex 3-phase (6-phase with 2 star-points) eMachine and associated inverter, including the development of the control algorithm, for a P2 hybrid vehicle was developed. The requirements, relating to power and duty cycle, flow down from the vehicle to the eMachine: these are shown and design issues relating to the use of a 48V system presented. The focus on low cost, compact solutions runs through the work. The inverter is rated at 25 kW to drive an interior permanent magnet eMachine, supplied by a 48V dc-link. The focus of the work presented in this paper is the inverter controller development and powertrain sizing. The test results of the eMachine with the inverter are presented to show the drive system operating the 6-phase current controller and inverter.