Efficiency Optimization of PWM-Induced Power Losses in Traction Drive Systems With IPM Machines Using Wide Bandgap-Based Inverters

This article investigates the total PWM-induced power losses in interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines excited by wide bandgap (WBG)-based voltage-source inverters with different pulsewidth modulation (PWM) schemes and a wide range of switching frequencies. The PWM current ripple characteristics are predicted and compared using an accurate analytical model. Three enhanced power loss estimation models are utilized to estimate the PWM-induced power losses in each of three major machine materials: the stator form-wound windings, the stator and rotor iron cores, and the permanent magnets in the rotor cavities. The variation trend of each loss component versus PWM frequency and modulation scheme is provided. Experiments have validated the model accuracy in two IPM machines designed for traction applications. Both measured and predicted results suggest that increasing the PWM frequency is beneficial for suppressing the PWM-induced power losses in IPM machines. In conjunction with the reduction in machine-related power losses, it has also been demonstrated that a higher PWM frequency in IPM drives with WBG-based inverter exhibits the appealing potential for improving the system-level efficiency in traction applications.