Energy evaluation of different inverter topologies and modulations used on electrical vehicles

This paper evaluates different inverter topologies and modulations, which use hard switching techniques applied to an electric powertrain to reduce inverter losses. Three inverter topologies and three modulation techniques are evaluated through a simulation. Some inverter configurations are in research level and not used commercially on powertrains yet, but are studied to contrast its energy-efficiency advantages. The methodology proposed simulates and evaluates the powertrain behavior that uses one permanent magnet synchronous motor with a field oriented controller, with an ECE-15 driving cycle. This methodology uses a multi-disciplinary analysis scheme that combines the vehicle dynamics with the electric powertrain. Then, the total harmonic distortion and the power losses are compared. As a result, different indicators allow suggesting an inverter configuration that extends driving autonomy.