A Partial Load Three-Phase Triangular Current Mode Modulation Concept with an Optimized Filter Inductor for High Efficiency Traction Drives

This paper introduces a partial-load Triangular Current Mode (TCM) modulation concept for high efficiency traction drive applications without compromising peak performance. This concept relies on a disconnectable AC filter which allows TCM modulation at low current loads and SVPWM modulation at higher current loads. Here, a low power-loss and high power-density saturable filter inductor is designed and optimized which is a key component for the concept implementation and its high efficiency operation. A total power-loss saving of up to 14% is expected with this concept for a 300 kW, 800 V e-vehicle traction drive over the WLTP cycle.