Analysis of the Sources of Error within PMSM-based Electric Powertrains - A Review

Electric cars are massively displacing gasoline-powered vehicles and heralding themselves as the top powertrain of preference, as vehicle transportation witnesses a significant paradigm shift. Errors within the electric powertrain can have a significant impact on the performance and reliability of electric cars. To better understand how the existence of errors within the powertrain encroaches on the safety of electric cars, this paper provides a detailed analysis of how errors emanate from the power electronic inverter, the analog-to-digital converter, the resolver, the electric motor and current sensors during regular operation. Additionally, when components such as the power electronic inverter assume fault-tolerant topologies, configurational errors that result from the synthesis of zero voltage vectors are extensively explored. The influences of these errors on the electric powertrain are discussed together with their probability of breakdown. Finally, some of the next biggest innovations that will drive demand for electric cars in the future are discussed together with research gaps that exist within this facet of engineering.