Thermal Modelling of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Windings in Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles

Abstract: A significant challenge with permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is thermal management. Thermal stress can lead to irreversible damage to components, and to enable efficient cooling, a thermal model is needed. In this thesis paper, methods for estimating the hot spot temperature of the windings in PMSMs used in heavy-duty EVs are investigated. The methods include black-box models and lumped parameter thermal network-based models. The results reveal that the implemented models are not sufficient for achieving the desired accuracy, and indicate that more parts of the windings need to be considered.