Traction Inverters and Motors

Students will explore the fundamental physics and electronic principles governing traction inverter operation, including power semiconductor types, gate drive circuits, and various control strategies. The course delves into the construction, operating characteristics, and electromagnetic principles of different electric motor types used in electric vehicles, such as permanent magnet synchronous motors and induction motors. Emphasis is placed on practical diagnostic techniques using specialized equipment, understanding common failure modes, and implementing proper repair and replacement procedures in accordance with safety protocols. This includes high-voltage safety, personal protective equipment, and proper component handling, preparing students for real-world service scenarios in the EV industry.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

EVS 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Electric Vehicle Powertrains and High-Voltage Safetylecture

02Lesson 2: Fundamental Electrical Principles for Power Electronicslecture

03Lesson 3: Power Semiconductor Devices and Switching Conceptslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Component Identification and Basic Circuit Measurementlab

05Lesson 5: Traction Inverter Architectures and Control Strategieslecture

06Lesson 6: Gate Driver Circuits and DC-Link Capacitorslecture

07Lesson 7: Electromagnetic Principles and Motor Fundamentalslecture

08Hands-on Lab: Inverter Subsystem Diagnostics & Midterm Reviewlab

09Lesson 9: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) Theory and Operationlecture

10Lesson 10: Induction Motors and Switched Reluctance Motorslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Motor Component Inspection and Winding Resistance Testinglab

12Lesson 12: Traction Motor Cooling Systems and Thermal Managementlecture

13Lesson 13: Advanced Diagnostic Techniques and Fault Code Analysislecture

14Capstone Service Project: Traction Inverter and Motor System Troubleshootingassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Electric Vehicle Powertrains and High-Voltage Safety","Week 2: Lesson 2: Fundamental Electrical Principles for Power Electronics","Week 3: Lesson 3: Power Semiconductor Devices and Switching Concepts","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Component Identification and Basic Circuit Measurement","Week 5: Lesson 5: Traction Inverter Architectures and Control Strategies","Week 6: Lesson 6: Gate Driver Circuits and DC-Link Capacitors","Week 7: Lesson 7: Electromagnetic Principles and Motor Fundamentals","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Inverter Subsystem Diagnostics & Midterm Review","Week 9: Lesson 9: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) Theory and Operation","Week 10: Lesson 10: Induction Motors and Switched Reluctance Motors","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Motor Component Inspection and Winding Resistance Testing","Week 12: Lesson 12: Traction Motor Cooling Systems and Thermal Management","Week 13: Lesson 13: Advanced Diagnostic Techniques and Fault Code Analysis","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Traction Inverter and Motor System Troubleshooting"]