Dynamometer developer Sakor Technologies says that it recently provided Nexteer Automotive with a dynamometer system designed to test high-speed motors and inverters in hybrid and electric vehicle designs. Nexteer says it will use the dynamometer system to test its new line of complete electric vehicle propulsion systems.
The system features a 164kW Accudyne four-quadrant AC dynamometer to provide the required torque and maximum speed of 12,000rpm. The test system also includes a 175kW, +/-500V DC, 500A battery simulator. Sakor states that the system can be easily upgraded at a later date to support higher speeds and greater power densities if future designs require it.
“This new system will be extremely useful for performing design validation, as well as determining the performance and durability characteristics of various motor and inverter designs,” said Randal Beattie, president of Sakor. “It will contribute to understanding of how to design hybrid and electric vehicle drivetrains that maximize efficiency and power density while making the best use of limited physical space.”
The dynamometer and other subsystems are configured for electric vehicle motor testing and the entire system is automated by Sakor’s DynoLAB test automation controller, which enables test engineers and technicians to design and implement complex test procedures without the need to learn a programming language.
The dynamometer is also capable of full bi-directional braking or driving of the device under test while providing full rated torque at stall (zero speed). Furthermore, it features regenerative, non-resistive power absorption, with 360Nm constant torque from stall to 4,356rpm and a constant power of 164kW from 4,356-12,000rpm (continuous duty).
