Comparison of induction motor drives for electric vehicle applications: Dynamic performance and parameter sensitivity analyses

Indirect field oriented control (IFOC) and direct torque control (DTC) have been widely commercialized in induction motor drives, with each being favored by its supporters. In this paper, the dynamic performance of these drives for an electric vehicle application is examined, and sensitivities to parameter variations affecting this dynamic performance are explored. Key performance measures include torque and speed transients. To achieve decoupling between the drive and the switching scheme, both drives are simulated in Matlab/Simulink for different switching schemes. These schemes include space-vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM), and hysteretic control for IFOC and DTC. DTC is also simulated with a switching table. Experimental results for some of these schemes are also presented. Results show that control performance is influenced by the switching scheme. It is shown that when IFOC and DTC are used with SVPWM, the torque response of IFOC is superior. These characteristics are verified by simulations. The work opens further discussion for the feasibility of applying IFOC in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.