Master thesis - Investigation of partial discharge on E-motor

Background of thesis project


Electrical stress is introduced in the motor windings due to high battery voltage and high switching frequency of the inverter. When an electric machine experiences this sharp rise(dv/dt), it is believed that most of the applied voltage is experienced by the first few turns of each phase. Due to this phenomenon, there is risk of partial discharge (PD) between the turns or between the turn and the ground. If this phenomenon occurs frequently the insulation of the motor can be damaged, and the motor will fail.


Suitable background


The students should be familiar with electromagnetic simulations of electric machines preferably using Maxwell and must have a basic understanding of electric machines and its surroundings. Background in insulation material and durability testing is a plus. Any Lab based work or University project in electrical domain is appreciated.


Description of thesis work


A literature review should be done to identify best winding configuration and insulation material to minimize partial discharge (PD) and maximize durability with marginal gain/loss in performance. Focus shall be on stator slot modelling and its simulation to be able to extract the winding parameters (LCR) and detect partial discharge in the most accurate way possible. The Primary goal is to compare two simulation (one chosen by the student, and one provided by Volvo) results with each other and to list the finding and conclusion. The secondary goal is to verify the simulation result with a test sample at the test lab using LCR meter and a DC tester.


Thesis Level: Master


Language: English


Starting date: January 2023


Number of students: 2


Tutor
Nikhil Manakshya, Electric Motor Design Engineer, +46 313225052
Rasmus Andersson, Specialist Research Engineer, +46 31 3231301
Zhe Huang, Expert System Design Engineer, +46 31 3238788


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