Artem Rodionov, Electrical engineering

Artem Rodionov is a PhD student in the research group Electrical Machines and Power Electronics, Division of Electric Power Engineering

Opponent is Professor Huai Wang, Aalborg University, Denmark

Examiner is Professor Ola Carlsson, Division of Electric Power Engineering

Main supervisor is Professor Yujing Liu, Division of Electric Power Engineering

Abstract

This thesis discusses the challenges of EVs, cost and integration strategies with a focus on efficiency and sizing of an integrated propulsion inverter.
The thesis introduces its approach, starting with understanding vehicle requirements and dynamics to establish the EV system architecture. It emphasizes the need for an inverter design that considers global requirements and presents an estimation tool for inverter losses, aiding cooling requirements and design feasibility. The dimensioning of DC link capacitors is discussed, exploring the potential utilization of a double-three-phase topology (DTP) to reduce the DC capacitor bank and optimize its capacitance rating.
Furthermore, this thesis investigates the use of aluminium substrate printed circuit boards (Al-PCBs) with high thermal dissipation characteristics as an alternative to SiC power modules. Al-PCBs offer cost-effectiveness, availability, flexibility for designers, and integration possibilities with temperature and current sensors. The experimental verification of a prototype inverter, utilizing Al-PCBs and DTP topology, capable of delivering 250 kW in a compact volume of 2.17 L, is one of the significant outcomes of this research.