Drivetrain and Powertrain Thermal Analyses of a Tesla Model 3 Electric Vehicle

Abstract

In this study, we thermally analyze the drivetrain and powertrain of a Telsa Model 3 electric vehicle. When size and weight limitations are coupled with the need for high power output, the traction motor of a vehicle can cause excessive heat to the insulation of the motor windings, causing them to degrade rapidly. Furthermore, the rotor experiences overheating, leading to a loss of magnetic properties in the permanent magnets within the rotor, which ultimately leads to inefficient performance. Therefore, it is necessary to implement cooling mechanisms for both the internal rotor components and the external stator components. The insulation of motor windings deteriorates rapidly when exposed to overheating. Overheating in interior permanent magnet motors causes the permanent magnets in the rotor to lose their magnetic properties, and that will decrease the operation efficiency of the motor. To maintain optimal performance, it is essential to cool both the stator and rotor ends of the motor and keep the temperature constant. For the motor cooling system to function effectively, it needs to be capable of handling a wide range of dust, humidity, and temperature levels. To accurately analyze the temperature distribution in water-cooling systems, a comprehensive automated meshing approach is employed. This involves creating meshes for gaps, slots, windings, and flow paths, enabling the use of simulated drivetrain and powertrain thermal analyses to assess the motor's thermal performance.