Universal Inverter

Universal Inverters for testing traction inverter control algorithms. Characterizing and testing E-Motor designs for electric vehicles.

Test your EV inverter designs and E-Motors with a Unico Universal Inverter.

This unique Universal Inverter works with all of the most-common types of AC motors (Asynchronous Induction, Synchronous Permanent Magnet, and IPM – Internal Permanent Magnet) without changing hardware or loading different software. Unico offers more than one rating – the most popular unit is a water-cooled inverter that can accept a DC input of 0-900VDC and has a nominal 520VAC rating.

Switching frequency is user-adjustable up to 24kHz. The inverter contains a dynamic protection curve that automatically adjusts based on operating conditions including DC input voltage, switching frequency, overload, output frequency, and ambient temperature.

Testing Applications

Testing of traction inverter control algorithms with production E-Motor or E-Motor Emulator, charactering production E-Motors, and development testing of E-motor, E-drive and E-Axle designs and power ratings.

Precision Control and Flexibility

Unico’s Universal Inverter works with all of the most-common types of AC motors (Asynchronous Induction, Synchronous Permanent Magnet, and IPM – Internal Permanent Magnet) without changing hardware or loading different software. Switching frequency is user-adjustable up to 24kHz. The inverter contains a dynamic protection curve that automatically adjusts based on operating conditions including DC input voltage, switching frequency, overload, output frequency, and ambient temperature.

Operate in closed-loop vector control, open-loop vector control (transducerless), or volts/hertz frequency mode. For closed-loop control, the inverter accepts feedback from most feedback devices through add-on modules. Unico’s Universal Programmable Resolver Interface module works with almost any resolver. The excitation voltage, excitation frequency, and turns ratio are all configurable through simple drive setup parameters to match the specific type of resolver being used.

Preprogrammed

The Unico Universal Inverter includes automated test routines that characterize an IPM motor and generate its flux maps. Separate maps are generated for d and q-axis flux and for motoring and absorbing. This flux map data alone is invaluable for a motor designer. The inverter uses this data and generates the ideal current vectors for any combination or speed and torque. All of this data can be exported for additional external analysis if desired. Unico provides additional tools for analyzing this data to help validate the motor design.

User Programmable

Once the IPM motor has been mapped, the Universal Inverter can control the motor in velocity or torque mode, much like any other motor. For those who would rather use their own external motor control, the Unico Universal Inverter can also be configured to operate in Direct Current Control Mode. In this mode the inverter can accept external commands for d-axis and q-axis current. Or, the inverter can be set to instead accept a current magnitude and phase angle. In this case, the external controller would be responsible for any velocity control and/or torque control.

High Speed Link

Supports most industry standard communication protocol, making it versatile to work with any available automation system platform. A high-speed communications interface is optionally available to accept commands from existing customer controllers that are used to generate test profiles. Wired and fiber-optic options are available. Supported protocols include:
CANopen, CC-Link, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet, EtherCAT (async), Interbus, LonWorks, Modbus Plus, Profibus DPV1, Profibus Master, EtherCat (sync)

Safety and Protection

Motors used in EV applications often operate at high speeds, with 20-30,000 rpm being fairly common. These motors are often high pole-count as well, meaning the motor fundamental frequency can get quite high (often 1000 – 2000Hz at maximum speed). Unico inverters do not impose a hard limit on output frequency, but it is recommended that the switching frequency be at least twelve times the motor fundamental frequency for proper control.

Built-in safety and control interlocks are hardwired, opto-isolated, and software configurable, so you can match the demands of your EV propulsion system under test.

General Specifications

DC Power InputBattery emulator, battery pack, fuel cell
DC Input Voltage0 to 850VDC, higher voltages available
Power30kW to 800kW
Motor VoltageUp to 600 VRMS (variable based on DC supply)
Full Four QuandrantStandard
Fundamental Frequency2000Hz
Encoder TypeResolver, Quadrature, SinCos (SSI / EnDAT Interface)
Switching FrequencyUp to 32kHz, dynamically adjustable or user adjustable
Modulation MethodsSpace vector, voltage blocking (DPWM)
Motor CurrentWide range of current options to meet your requirements
AmbientUp to 40°C, max 1000m above sea level, 95% RH non-condensing
EnclosureNEMA 1 (other options available upon request)
CoolingAir cooled (water cooled or airconditioned cabinets upon request)
Cabinet PaintRAL 7035 Rough Semi-glass Poly Powder finish
Certification ComplianceUL (other certifications available)
ControlLocal and remote
Built in remote interfaceAnalog as well as RS-422, RS-485, two ports (other interface and protocol, see options below)
Safety and control interlocksHardwired, opto-isolated, software configurable
Battery Emulator SpecificationWide range of voltages, current, power ratings available (View Battery Emulator Brochure)

Options

Additional analog and digital input, outputTechnical discussion required
Cabinet paint finishCustomer specific
Protection classNEMA 12
External communication interfaceCANopen, CC-Link, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet, EtherCAT (async), Interbus, LonWorks, Modbus Plus, Profibus DPV1, Profibus Master, EtherCat (sync)