Temperature monitoring of magnets in permanent magnet motors used in vehicle drivetrains
US10742094B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/72
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Provided are methods for monitoring temperatures of permanent magnets disposed on rotors of permanent magnet motors. Also provided are vehicle drivetrains including permanent magnet motors and controllers operable to monitor temperatures of permanent magnets used in these motors. A magnet temperature is determined based on the rotational speed of the motor and also based on the open circuit voltage of the motor at this rotational speed. The motor may be specifically calibrated to determine its response to magnet temperature changes for any rotational speed. During operation, an inverter connected to the motor and controlling motor's operation may pause its switching for a period of time and check the open circuit voltage of the motor during this period. The corresponding rotor speed may be obtained from other sensors. The controller uses this information to determine the magnet temperature and, in some embodiments, to perform various control operations to avoid overheating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.