Powertrain modularity

This document describes fault-tolerant control strategies for the SiC/GaN power converter and the eMotor of the RHODaS integrated motor drive (IMD). It outlines control levels within the proposed IMD, details fast response strategies for critical faults managed by the power converter control and defines fault-tolerant control to be implemented by cloud/edge computing for the IMD. The document also addresses potential faults in the power converter and electric motor, discussing feasible fault detection strategies.

This deliverable provides updated specifications and requirements for the electrical, electronic, and thermal management subsystems of the RHODaS powertrain, building on those previously defined. It focuses on the design of a three-level, three-phase modular T-type converter based on SiC and GaN semiconductors, which must be compact to achieve the targeted gravimetric and volumetric power densities when mounted on top of the motor. The document details the converter’s dimensions, the integration of IMD components, and the semiconductor technologies under consideration.

Because commercially available GaN devices currently support only low voltages and currents, the deliverable proposes alternative strategies, such as using prototype GaN packs or parallelising multiple transistors, alongside a roadmap to address future design challenges. It also describes the supervision and monitoring strategies, including cloud-based functions, and defines the specifications for the thermal management system, with attention to environmental conditions and cooling requirements. The report concludes with a consolidated summary of the converter specifications, providing a reference for subsequent development and validation.