Electromagnetic and thermal analysis/design of an induction motor for electric vehicles

Abstract

The most commonly used electrical machine is induction machine since it is durable, easy to manufacture, control, it requires less maintenance, responses different loads. In this study, the design of 115kW (continuous 85kW) squirrel cage induction motor for electric vehicle applications is presented. Main design constraints and performance criteria of the motor is determined and depending on these values, computer aided design is performed. In the design procedure, initially, an analytical design of electric vehicle motor is performed depending on specified design criteria. Then, the analytical design is verified by using finite element analysis. Depending on the obtained results in electro-magnetic analyses, the squirrel cage induction motor for electric vehicle is modified in order to improve the obtained performance further. Electrical, magnetic and thermal analyses are done. Maxwell® for Magnetic Analysis and ANSYS software program for Thermal Analysis are used to design electric motor for electric vehicle. Designed motor will stand high heat events or heavy conditions. The analyses results show that the designed motor satisfies the design criteria.