How Do Tesla's Induction Motors Work in Their Electric Vehicles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the operation of Tesla's induction motors in their electric vehicles, specifically focusing on the power supply from batteries, the conversion of DC to AC, and the behavior of torque in these motors. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to electrical engineering principles.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Tesla's vehicles use induction motors powered by batteries but expresses confusion about the concept of DC induction motors.
  • Another participant suggests that electronics are used to convert the battery's DC to AC, potentially producing three-phase AC to drive the motors.
  • A participant reiterates the role of an inverter in converting DC to three-phase AC for the induction motors.
  • Questions are raised about the concept of constant torque in relation to induction motors, with one participant indicating that torque characteristics depend on voltage and frequency adjustments.
  • Discussion includes the idea that digital signal processors (DSPs) control the DC-AC conversion and can adjust parameters like phase and frequency to maintain desired torque.
  • Another participant mentions the torque-slip curve and its dependence on voltage and frequency, suggesting that different curves exist for varying voltages.
  • A participant expresses gratitude for the insights shared and indicates that they feel satisfied with the information provided, suggesting a closure to the topic for themselves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the operation of induction motors and the specifics of torque behavior. While some concepts are clarified, there remains uncertainty and lack of consensus on the details of constant torque and the implications of DC-AC conversion.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the complexities of torque behavior in induction motors, including the influence of voltage and frequency, but do not resolve the nuances of these relationships or the implications for Tesla's motor design.

Phellippe Marques
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As a EE student, I studied Induction motors: three and single phase. I saw somewhere that Tesla's autos are using induction motors feeded by batteries. But I've never heard about DC induction motors.. I also heard that Tesla autos have torque constant for every speed, but that's also not how induction motors behave. Any Ideas? Thanks!
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I would assume these vehicles use electronics to convert the battery's DC to an AC that can drive the AC motors. Possibly this inverter might produce 3 phase AC, with 3 phase motors being both light and powerful.
 
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Phellippe Marques said:
I saw somewhere that Tesla's autos are using induction motors feeded by batteries. But I've never heard about DC induction motors..
There is an inverter connected to the battery which converts dc into three phase ac.
images (6).png
 
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Thats enlighting for the power supply question. How about the constant torque?
 
Phellippe Marques said:
How about the constant torque?
This rate of DC-AC conversions are mostly controlled with DSPs in every detail. Phase, frequency, current (even waveform can be changed , if one has some wicked ideas) as function of thrust and speed - you can do as you please as long as the hardware can endure it.
 
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Guys, I understood both the Dc-Ac conversion process in order to feed the 3phases induction motor, and the idea of controling the parameters to keep the output torque constant. I thank you all for the attention and help. Its enough for me, for me, the topic may now be closed
 
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