High-Fidelity Analysis With Multiphysics Simulation for Performance Evaluation of Electric Motors Used in Traction Applications

A Multi-physics simulation workflow encompassing soft-coupling of electromagnetic, thermal, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) for performance evaluation of the traction drive is proposed in the paper. This study focuses on modeling of the electrical components of the drive unit that includes battery, inverter, and the electric machine. Further, a high-fidelity electric machine model is presented considering the non-idealities introduced by temperature variation, manufacturing process and phase current harmonics. The high-fidelity model is used to simulate electric motors like the ones used in the Tesla Model 3, Jaguar I-Pace and Chevy Bolt battery electric vehicles. Moreover, an in-house design is built and tested to validate the fidelity of the workflow.