Integrated motor drives: state of the art and future trends

Abstract

With increased need for high power density, high efficiency and high temperature capabilities in aerospace and automotive applications, integrated motor drives (IMD) offers a potential solution. However, close physical integration of the converter and the machine may also lead to an increase in components temperature. This requires careful mechanical, structural and thermal analysis; and design of the IMD system. This study reviews existing IMD technologies and their thermal effects on the IMD system. The effects of the power electronics position on the IMD system and its respective thermal management concepts are also investigated. The challenges faced in designing and manufacturing of an IMD along with the mechanical and structural impacts of close physical integration is also discussed and potential solutions are provided. Potential converter topologies for an IMD like the matrix converter, two-level bridge, three-level neutral point clamped and multiphase full bridge converters are also reviewed. Wide band gap devices like silicon carbide and gallium nitride and their packaging in power modules for IMDs are also discussed. Power modules components and packaging technologies are also presented.

Design optimization of integrated rotational inductor for high-speed AC drive applications

“…The integration of passive components in motor drives offer many advantages such as power dense design, reduction in cost, mass, size and shortens the manufacturing process. Thus, applications where high power density is required, integrated options for passives is the most suitable solution [1,2].…”

“…This leads to a separate sub-system which in turn results in a lossy and bulky overall system. In order to overcome these drawbacks the integration of passive components need to be introduced both from functional and physical point of view [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Design optimization of integrated rotor-less inductors for high-speed AC drive applications

“…The use of passive integration in motor drive applications offer many benefits such as compact design, reduction in cost, mass, size and fewer manufacturing process. Therefore, applications where high power density is needed, the use of the integrated options present to be the best solution [1][2][3].…”

Distributed speed control for multi-three phase electrical motors with improved power sharing capability

“…power per unit of volume). Among all the possible applications, multi-three phase motors have been widely developed in Integrated Modular Motor Drive (IMMD) scenario [10], [11]. In-fact, thanks to their intrinsic redundancy, they allow more reliable motor drive systems to be developed.…”