Electric Vehicle Powertrain Testing Solutions
Gain valuable insight into the performance of electric powertrain systems without second-guessing the quality of your power measurements. From the battery to the motor output and everything in between, Yokogawa's wide range of instruments enable engineers to confidently and comprehensively analyze electromechanical challenges of EV powertrain systems.
Understanding and Quantifying Power Loss in EV Powertrains
To develop and optimize efficient and sustainable transportation solutions, it’s critical that engineers and researchers accurately identify, quantify, and understand the losses from each component (e.g., battery, inverter, motor) as power flows through the complex network of an electric vehicle powertrain system.
Effective measurement and analysis of the various measurement test points along an EV powertrain requires specialized equipment such as power analyzers to ensure the highest quality data with the fewest potential trade-offs. Selecting the instrument best suited to a specific application ultimately comes down to the application's required level of accuracy, number of channels needed, and types of signals being acquired.
Revolutionizing EV Powertrain Testing with Integrated Measurement Tools
Yokogawa’s suite of high-precision instruments, including the ScopeCorder, Power Analyzer, Oscilloscope, and Data Acquisition devices, work together seamlessly to deliver world-class electric vehicle powertrain testing results. Leveraging our advanced integrated software platform, our tools collectively ensure precise measurement, analysis, and optimization of every component within the EV powertrain system.
- ScopeCorder: Captures waveforms, flow, vibration, resolver signals, and CAN bus data, providing a detailed overview of dynamic and static signals in real time.
- Power Analyzer: Measures AC/DC voltage and current, power, encoder signals, torque, and efficiency to evaluate energy transfer and loss within the powertrain.
- Oscilloscope: Monitors CAN bus, SPI bus, I2C bus, isolated voltage, IGBT signals, and flow, essential for detailed analysis of electronic control units and other complex circuits.
- Data Acquisition Devices: Collect temperature, DC voltage, frequency, and input/output data to ensure comprehensive environmental and electrical condition monitoring.
Electric Motor & Variable Speed Drive Testing
White Paper
Understanding power generation, power loss, and the different types of power measured can be intimidating. This white paper gives an overview of basic electric and mechanical power measurements and the interfacing of drives in motors.
Read the White Paper
eBook
Electrical Motor Power Measurement & Analysis
A guide of common measurements and parameters to drive greater efficiency.
Download eBook
Webinar
Motor & Drive Control System Measurements
Learn how to more effectively benchmark data for and troubleshoot issues with energy efficiency in EV powertrains.
View Webinar
Case Study
Solar Team Twente
Accurate power analysis boosts solar race car's range and speed.
Download Case Study
This application note details the process for measuring and verifying proper motor function using a power analyzer, and how to troubleshoot common errors in the measured output.
Measurement guidance related to field-oriented control (FOC) of electric motors with example use cases that illustrates how this is accomplished using a power analyzer and/or a ScopeCorder. Specifically addressed are direct and quadrature currents of a surface-mounted permanent magnet motor (SMPM) with field weakening applied. The techniques illustrated can also be applied to other FOC variables, algorithms, and motor technologies.
This application note provides guidance for making measurements relating to field-oriented control of electric motors and presents an example use case that illustrates how to accomplish these with the /MT1 option on a Yokogawa Test&Measurement DL950 ScopeCorder. Specifically addressed are direct and quadrature currents of a surface-mounted permanent magnet motor with field weakening applied. The techniques discussed are also applicable to other field-oriented control variables, algorithms, and motor technologies.
Use built-in calculations to analyze motor rotor position of Brushless DC motors (BLDC) and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) and find the relative angle between the rotor and position sensors such as encoders or resolvers
Maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) is an optimization strategy for the control of electric motors and drives that employ field-oriented control (FOC), particularly with electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial automation applications. The goal of MTPA is to achieve the maximum possible torque output from a motor for a given current input.
To best utilize SiC devices for improved energy efficiency in equipment, it is important to optimize the internal device peripheral circuits in the inverter according to the device characteristics.
How can I capture data from motion sensors synchronized with other analog data? The Yokogawa ScopeCorder series of instruments feature input modules and functions to make this possible.
Designing an instrumentation system for high current measurement requires careful consideration of the trade-offs associated with each type of sensing device. The purpose of this application note is to help engineers understand the sensing choices available and the corresponding trade-offs with each technology.
- Motor testing, variable speed drive testing procedure
- AC, DC, and power measurement
- Precision measurements on motors and VFD systems
- How to calculate energy efficiency
Standards driving energy efficiency classifications are a driving force behind the development of the next generation of motor and drive technologies. Learn more here.
Part 1 - Part 7 of the Yokogawa Test&Measurement IS8000 Integrated Test and Measurement Software Platform training module series. These videos provide a big picture look at the software.
10-video training series from Yokogawa Test&Measurement that covers the basics of power analyzers including an overview of our power analyzers, their theory, wiring, filters and sync source, and voltage and current ranges.
Video training series for WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer from Yokogawa Test&Measurement: Power analyzer overview of front and back panel inputs and element types.
As a respected pioneer in folding bikes, Brompton’s first foldable e-bikes was eagerly anticipated. However, to develop such high-performance e-bikes engineers at Brompton needed to perform comprehensive dynamic testing to achieve rider – bike harmony.
As a one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers, Triumph confirms every bike is precision-engineered to deliver a complete riding experience. To ensure higher performance and efficiency of the motorcycle powertrain, Triumph test their engines under rigorous conditions, measuring and analyzing a vast array of parameters under varying conditions, from sensors configured and positioned all around a bike.
AC Kinetics was challenged by Georgia Pacific to develop an algorithm to optimize the operation of large AC induction motors by 10%. To test their algorithm on a motor drive, they needed to demonstrate repeatable measurements in a real world application.
In research published by the Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) Department of the University of California, Berkeley, the Yokogawa Test&Measurement WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer's high accuracy and modular architecture were used to perform calculations on efficiency, pulse width modulations, and harmonic content.
In a research paper published by Digital Commons @ Cal Poly, a researcher from California Polytechnic State University uses a Yokogawa Test&Measurement Digital AC Meter to measure the current and power of household devices in stand-by mode.
In the paper published on OpenUCT, a Cape Town University researcher uses a Yokogawa Test&Measurement High-Performance Power Analyzer to record instantaneous voltage and current of a three-phase, four-wire system.
In a research paper published on IEEE Xplore, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) researchers use a Yokogawa Test&Measurement Advanced Digital Power Meter to consistently and accurately measure computer power supply dc output/input voltage, current, power, and power factor.
In a research paper published on IEEE Xplore, researchers from Częstochowa University of Technology and University of Naples Federico II use a Yokogawa Test&Measurement WT310 Digital Power Analyzer to attain accurate and reliable power and energy measurements from the ccNUMA/SMP system.
We developed an algorithm to optimize induction motor operation and produce an average power consumption savings of at least 10%. To demonstrate our algorithm’s effectiveness, we needed a proven and verified system that would give these results credibility. The solution provided by Yokogawa Test&Measurement enabled us to monitor and refine our algorithm using real-time speed, power, and temperature readings – data that would normally be incredibly difficult to accurately obtain. Having these real-world results that demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm means we can be more efficient with our own customers. —Neil Singer, President, AC Kinetics
It’s not an exaggeration to say I owe a good bit of my career success to Yokogawa Test&Measurement. By using their ScopeCorders that combine the best parts of an oscilloscope and DAQ, projects that once took weeks across multiple instruments suddenly only took a few hours with just one instrument. The impact on what I could accomplish really was quite remarkable, and my ability to accurately complete projects in record time made me look incredible. No matter how complex or convoluted the task, the ScopeCorders never fail to easily handle anything I throw at them. They’re amazing instruments and I tell others about them every chance I get. —Kenneth Shoemaker, Automotive Industry Consultant/Owner at Panama Prototypes
When I started with my company almost 20 years ago, Yokogawa Test&Measurement instruments were already in use and the engineers had no intention of switching. In fact, we still routinely use some of the older instruments because, well, they just work! The equipment doesn't really become obsolete, and they support their instruments as long as is feasible, which ultimately saves us money. Even so, as things change in our industry Yokogawa adjusts to meet those changes. From our sales representative through technical support and more, I can count on the Yokogawa team to really listen and work with us to provide a specific solution for unique problems.
—Senior Lab Technology Engineer, EMI/EMC, Large Power Systems, Testing, Global Design of Commercial and Industrial Power, Cooling, and IT Infrastructure
I’ve been using Yokogawa Test&Measurement instruments for power measurement and analysis for several years and they always get the job done. They provide extensive and thorough documentation for their equipment and their drivers are very handy. Features like screengrabs of test results for easier sharing and the remote interface (which minimizes the time we spend having to automate tests) have proven to be incredibly helpful. My team needs instruments that are well documented, easy to use, and reliable. Yokogawa instruments check all these boxes.
—Power Drive Systems Electrification Validation Test Development, Fortune 500 Leading Global Supplier of Sustainable Automotive Solutions
For standby power measurement and energy certification maintenance, we rely on Yokogawa Test&Measurement instruments. Their precision, accuracy, and ease-of-use are unrivaled. When given a choice between other test and measurement equipment and Yokogawa, our technicians always go for Yokogawa first. The support team provides thoughtful insights based not just on our industry but also our company’s specific needs. My team has used Yokogawa Test&Measurement instruments for decades and will continue to do so well into the future.
—Director of Technology Laboratories, International Multi-Brand Manufacturer of Major Home Appliances
Brochures
How-tos
- Measuring Individual Phase Power on Three Phase Systems
- Standard Delta computation function
- Available on Yokogawa WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer
We are going live on YouTube to answer your questions about the Yokogawa Test&Measurement DL950 ScopeCorder. Join us as we discuss how to make the most of this versatile instrument based on your application needs. Whether you’ve worked with a ScopeCorder for years or curious if it is a good fit for your engineering work group, this live stream can help.
We are going live on YouTube to answer your questions about the Yokogawa Test&Measurement WT5000 Precision Power Analyzer. Join us to discuss how to make the most of this versatile instrument based on your application needs. Whether you’ve worked with a power analyzer for years or curious if it is a good fit for your engineering work group, this live stream can help.
Learn what signal types can be input into a scope using a Yokogawa Test&Measurement DL950 ScopeCorder, a unique combination of a 32-channel mixed signal oscilloscope and portable DAQ that captures both high-speed transient events and long-run trends.
We went live on YouTube to answer your questions about the DLM5000HD High-Definition Oscilloscope from Yokogawa Test&Measurement and to discuss how to make the most of this incredible instrument. This live stream covers potential applications, settings and features like its high resolution, eight channels, serial bus capabilities, and portability, and last (but definitely not least) a few demonstrations.
Learn how to log power measurement data continuously from a digital power analyzer when connecting it to a data recorder to easily and securely collect and synchronize voltage, current, harmonics, and power data for long periods of time, while also collecting thermocouple, RTD, and standard analog signal, all in one place.
Learn when to use line filters and/or frequency filters while making power measurements with a power analyzer.
Webinars
- How to avoid the “gotcha's” of inverter-based measurements
- Computations for field-oriented control
- The integration of CAN bus communications
- Correlations in the frequency domain
- Other advanced motor and drive topics
- A look at multi-phase measurements and measurement techniques
- A review of practical applications
- Real-world examples
You know the basics of electrical power measurements, have set up your dyno, and made key measurements – which is great. But as your motor and drive projects progress, the complexities of system drive requirements can change frequently. Control algorithms, networked communications, and mechanical systems form a complex web of interactions that need sorting. This 60-minute webinar explains how to get past ground-level measurements and delve into comprehensive solutions that leverage test and measurement instruments including power analyzers, high-speed data acquisition, and real-time software.
Topics include:
The technical presentation includes an audience Q&A.
Why should you be concerned with your product’s power system voltage and current harmonics? From an engineering perspective, harmonics produce excessive heat in equipment that causes significant damage and results in inefficient operation. From a business perspective, compliance is an absolute requirement for entry into global markets. To minimize or eliminate these issues and establish acceptable levels of harmonics, numerous power quality standards with specifications and limits for harmonic distortion, such as IEEE 519-2014 and IEC61000-3-2, have been introduced. During this webinar, attendees will gain knowledge on the inner workings of harmonics, learn best practices for accurately measuring harmonics, learn to recognize and distinguish the critical difference between DFT and FFT, and discover important measurement tradeoffs across various test equipment.
Although DC power measurements can be fairly straightforward, complexities with AC power measurements arise when dealing with distorted waveforms, fluctuating power factors, and multiple phases, which introduce intricacies that complicate an otherwise simple measurement process.
This on-demand webinar provides an informative dive into the various fundamental aspects of power measurement and includes: