High Power Traction Inverter Design and Comparison for Electric Vehicles

High performance or heavy weight electric vehicles (EVs) require high power electric drive (e-drive) systems. However, availability of automotive qualified power devices with demanded high voltage and high current ratings are limited. Devices and inverters in series and/or in parallel are typical and effective solutions to achieve high power output capability. This paper investigates high power traction inverter design, from a practical point of view, through providing three options for EV applications. The three circuit topologies are described firstly. Typical modulation methods are reviewed, and optimal approaches are proposed to minimize DC bus capacitor ripple current. Inverter total loss and key components sizing are compared in detail. Simulation results verify the proposed high power traction inverter design and theoretical analysis.