AC PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE, PHASE 2

A second-generation prototype ac propulsion system for a passenger electric vehicle was designed, fabricated, tested, installed in a modified Mercury Lynx vehicle and track tested at the Contractor's site. The system consisted of a Phase 2, 18.7 kw rated ac induction traction motor, a 192-volt, battery powered, pulse-width-modulated, transistorized inverter packaged for under rear seat installation, a 2-axis, 2-speed, automatically-shifted mechanical transaxle and a microprocessor-based powertrain/vehicle controller. A diagnostics computer to assist tuning and fault finding was fabricated. Dc-to-mechanical-system efficiency varied from 78% to 82% as axle speed/torque ranged from 159 rpm/788 nm to 65 rpm/328 nm. Track test efficiency results suggest that the ac system will be equal or superior to dc systems when driving urban cycles. Additional short-term work is being performed under a third contract phase (AC-3) to raise transaxle efficiency to predicted levels, and to improve starting and shifting characteristics. However, the long-term challenge to the system's viability remains inverter cost. A final report on the Phase 2 system, describing Phase 3 modifications, will be issued at the conclusion of AC-3.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Eaton Corporation

    Engineering and Research Center
    Swithfield, MA  United States  8411
  • Authors:
    • Slicker, J M
  • Publication Date: 1983-6

Media Info

  • Pagination: 287 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00391769
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: DOE/NASA-0211-1, NASA-CR-168244
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 30 1985 12:00AM