General Electric Company

Richard W Boothe

Charles E Konrad

Jerome B Tankersley, Iii

A scheme for optimizing the efficiency of an AC motor drive operated in a pulse-width-modulated mode provides that the modulation frequency of the power furnished to the motor is a function of commanded motor torque and is higher at lower torque requirements than at higher torque requirements.

Method and apparatus for improved efficiency in a pulse-width-modulated

An electric vehicle drive train includes an electric motor and an associated speed sensor, a transmission operable in a speed reduction mode or a direct coupled mode, and a controller responsive to the speed sensor for operating the transmission in the speed reduction mode when the motor is below a predetermined value, and for operating the motor in the direct coupled mode when the motor speed is above a predetermined value. The controller reduces the speed of the motor, such as by regeneratively braking the motor, when changing from the speed reduction mode to the direct coupled mode. The motor speed may be increased when changing from the direct coupled mode to the speed reduction mode. The transmission is preferably a single stage planetary gearbox.

Electric vehicle drive train with direct coupling transmission

A battery powered traction vehicle propulsion system uses an alternating current (AC) adjustable speed electric traction motor to propel the vehicle. The motor is connected to a source of controllable AC power that is responsive to a control signal for setting the value of power applied to the motor. A function generator produces the control signal in response to a command signal and limits the rate of change of the control signal and its minimum and maximum values. The minimum and maximum values are varied in response to preselected operating characteristics of the propulsion system, such as, for example, battery voltage, motor temperature, motor and vehicle speed and control system temperature.

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Roanoke, VA, United States of America

Richard W Boothe