Control of Dual Motor Test Bench for Performance Testing of PMSM for Traction Application

As the world switches over to electric propulsion, the need for efficient ways to test electric powertrain arises. The major component in the electric powertrain that needs stringent testing is the electric motor. Laboratory testing of such drivetrain elements is usually done using dyno-based test benches. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) have widespread adoption due to their extensive utilization in Electric Vehicles (EVs). This paper describes a control implementation of dual motor test bench for performance analysis of a traction motor by coupling it to a loading motor using a common mechanical shaft and performing tests under varying load conditions. The mechanically coupled loading motor works as a generator and therefore, loads the shaft connected to the traction motor being tested. The loading motor also acts as a motor when the traction motor operates as a generator. Thus, a four-quadrant motor drive can be implemented with the capability to test the motoring and generating action of the traction motor to be tested. The two motors have an individual closed-loop speed and torque controllers designed using Field Oriented Control (FOC). The performance of the test bench for various modes of operation has been presented in this work through simulations performed in MATLAB/Simulink platform.