How to rethink inverter to motor interfaces in order to provide charger functionality?

To contribute to Automotive carbon footprint reduction, Valeo develops innovative systems dedicated to Hybrid or Electrical Vehicles. Among these systems, Valeo GEN2 inverter / charger offers an integrated solution to ensure both the traction function and the battery recharge function. This system lies on an original high voltage Power Electronics architecture made of two converters: a Front End Converter (FEC) working as a buck/boost DC/DC converter and a full- H bridge Voltage Source Inverter (6 legs VSI) supplying a 3 phase machine (PMSM is chosen as example). In this paper, attention is brought on this original architecture interfaces. Thus it is explained why the impact is quite low on emachine design, why the system offers opportunities to the battery design and why the charger mode is naturally compliant with any type of electrical network (single or threephase ac network, dc network, and ready to Vehicle2Grid mode). At last two specific opportunities are also highlighted in traction mode. First, availability in case of failure is discussed around experimental results in 2 phase fault mode. Then, a safety opportunity is discussed in comparison with standard drives using Permanent Magnet machines.