US 12,255,567 B2
System and method estimating temperature of a direct current bus bar and direct current connector in a power inverter and providing control based upon the temperature
Daniel J. Berry, Macomb Township, MI (US); Young J. Kim, Troy, MI (US); and Dylan M. Day, Auburn Hills, MI (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Nov. 10, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/984,605.
Prior Publication US 2024/0162835 A1, May 16, 2024
Int. Cl. H02P 29/60 (2016.01); G01K 7/00 (2006.01)
CPC H02P 29/60 (2016.02) [G01K 7/00 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for estimating temperature within a power inverter and providing control based upon the temperature, the system comprising:
a battery configured for providing electrical energy in direct current;
a drive unit including an electric machine configured for utilizing electrical energy in alternating current to provide an output torque to an output shaft;
the power inverter configured for receiving the electrical energy in direct current, transforming the electrical energy in direct current to the electrical energy in alternating current, and providing the electrical energy in alternating current to the drive unit, wherein the power inverter includes a direct current bus bar; and
a computerized supervisory controller:
monitoring an environmental temperature of the power inverter;
monitoring a current flow of the electrical energy in direct current received by the power inverter;
determining an estimated temperature of the direct current bus bar based upon the environmental temperature and the current flow;
determining an inverter percent available capability based upon the estimated temperature;
comparing the inverter percent available capability to a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is selected based upon maintaining the power inverter within a desired operating temperature range; and
controlling the drive unit based upon the comparing;
wherein the direct current bus bar is a first direct current bus bar;
wherein the power inverter further includes a second direct current bus bar; and
wherein the computerized supervisory controller determining the estimated temperature of the direct current bus bar includes determining an estimated temperature of the first direct current bus bar and the second direct current bus bar.