Power electronics laboratory R-L load bank development for traction inverter of hybrid/ electric vehicles

This paper talks about the development of a laboratory test bench, particularly the load bank, for testing Inverter of Hybrid/Electric Vehicle. This paper discusses capabilities, pros and cons of different load bank options, namely, motor dynamometer, active load emulator and inductive load in terms of testing the inverter power module stress. Enhancements to inductive load test bench are discussed with simulation and testing indicating the effectiveness of this inexpensive load bank to achieve module power stress compared to other load banks. This paper explains the importance of load power factor and modulation index that impacts the module power loss and hence the thermal stress. Multiple operating conditions by changing fundamental frequency and phase currents were tested and the results were analyzed against the simulation model for inductive, resistive-inductive load bank and motor dyne.