Design of a high-efficiency permanent magnet synchronous motor and inverter system

Utilization of renewable energy has become the future trend in the trucking industry. Electrical power generated from renewable energy can replace part of the fuel energy. There is usually limited space for storing on-board battery. Thus, to better utilize the battery power, it becomes critical to have an efficient energy conversion device that can transfer energy from battery to amenities such as air conditioner, microwave, TV, mini refrigerator, etc. In this work, a high-efficiency permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) can be such energy conversion device for an all-electric Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) application, which will have a desired output power of 2 kW at 2 krpm, and maintain a high efficiency greater than 90%. With our novel technology, the designed motor can adjust its speed through a DC to AC inverter to provide a variable load. For example, with high efficiency performance, the fully charged battery sets (48 volts) can supply the electrical power and cooling to the cabin for about 10 hours without recharging using the main engine. A novel design of DC to AC inverter with a high performance embedded system for driving the designed motor is developed. Advanced sensorless control is applied to the design.