Authors :
Tamilarasi P.; Subramoniyan N.; Mahesh Babu M.
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3f3p7yxc
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/42n37wxr
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1248
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Accurate prediction of inverter losses in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) drives is difficult
because conduction, switching, and diode recovery behaviors vary significantly with instantaneous current, voltage, and
device temperature. Existing analytical methods often rely on fixed semiconductor parameters and averaged current
assumptions, which limit their ability to represent dynamic operating conditions in practical electric-drive systems. This
work develops a detailed inverter loss and thermal evaluation framework in PSIM 2025.1, combining thermally enabled
MOSFET and diode models with nonlinear PMSM characteristics. The approach captures temperature-dependent on-state
resistance, voltage–current overlap during switching transitions, and diode reverse-recovery effects while operating under
Field-Oriented Control (FOC). The overall inverter losses and efficiency are evaluated across a wide range of torque–speed
operating points. Simulation results demonstrate PSIM’s capability for practical and accurate inverter loss prediction,
offering valuable insights for the design and optimization of PMSM drive systems in electric vehicle and industrial
applications.
Keywords :
Inverter Loss, PMSM, Field-Oriented Control (FOC), Thermal Modeling, Switching and Conduction Loss, Inverter Efficiency Analysis, PSIM.
References :
- Altair Engineering, “IGBT and MOSFET Loss Calculation in the Thermal Module,” PSIM Tutorial PDF, 2023. [Online]. Available: http://2023.help.altair.com/psim-tut/tutorials/Tutorial - IGBT and MOSFET Loss Calculation in the Thermal Module.pdf
- J. Rosales, “Soft Switching with PSIM’s Thermal Module,” Altair Community, Jul. 17 2025. [Online]. Available: https://community.altair.com/discussion/63730/soft-switching-with-psim-s-thermal-module
- E. O. Prado, P. C. Bolsi, H. C. Sartori, and J. R. Pinheiro, “Simple analytical model for accurate switching loss calculation in power MOSFETs using non-linearities of Miller capacitance,” IET Power Electronics, vol. 15, no. 7, pp. 594-604, 2022. doi: 10.1049/pel2.12252.
- Altair / Powersim Technologies, “Efficiency Map of 100-kW PMSM Drive Using PSIM Thermal Module and JMAG-RT,” Altair PSIM Application Note, 2024.
- A. P. Monteiro, H. M. Oliveira Filho, S. N. Figueiredo, and R. N. A. L. e S. Aquino, “Estimation of losses in power semiconductors through simulation,” in 2017 Brazilian Power Electronics Conference (COBEP), Juiz de Fora, Brazil, Nov. 19-22 2017, pp. 1-6. doi: 10.1109/COBEP.2017.8257322.
- R. Krishnan, Permanent Magnet Synchronous and Brushless DC Motor Drives, CRC Press, 2010.
- Powersim Inc., PSIM User’s Guide Version 9.0 Release 2, Mar. 2010. [Online]. Available: https://www.myway.co.jp/products/psim/dlfiles/pdf/PSIM_User_Manual_V9.0.2.pdf
8. J. Rosales, “How curves are used to calculate losses in the thermal module,” Altair Community, Jul. 2024. [Online]. Available: https://community.altair.com/discussion/38488/how-curves-are-used-to-calculate-losses-in-the-thermal-module.
Accurate prediction of inverter losses in Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) drives is difficult
because conduction, switching, and diode recovery behaviors vary significantly with instantaneous current, voltage, and
device temperature. Existing analytical methods often rely on fixed semiconductor parameters and averaged current
assumptions, which limit their ability to represent dynamic operating conditions in practical electric-drive systems. This
work develops a detailed inverter loss and thermal evaluation framework in PSIM 2025.1, combining thermally enabled
MOSFET and diode models with nonlinear PMSM characteristics. The approach captures temperature-dependent on-state
resistance, voltage–current overlap during switching transitions, and diode reverse-recovery effects while operating under
Field-Oriented Control (FOC). The overall inverter losses and efficiency are evaluated across a wide range of torque–speed
operating points. Simulation results demonstrate PSIM’s capability for practical and accurate inverter loss prediction,
offering valuable insights for the design and optimization of PMSM drive systems in electric vehicle and industrial
applications.
Keywords :
Inverter Loss, PMSM, Field-Oriented Control (FOC), Thermal Modeling, Switching and Conduction Loss, Inverter Efficiency Analysis, PSIM.