US 12,184,126 B2 · Self-heating electric motor control

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to self-heating electric motor control. In examples, a motor controller includes a normal control scheme and a heating control scheme, whereby the heating control scheme causes the electric motor to produce heat (in addition to or in the absence of mechanical operation of the electric motor). For example, if the electric motor has cooled below a minimum operating temperature, the heating control scheme is used to heat the electric motor prior to mechanical operation of the electric motor. As another example, the electric motor may approach or fall below a minimum operating temperature during operation, such that the heating control scheme is used to cause the electric motor to produce additional heat while in operation. Thus, the electric motor is heated as a result of the heating control scheme, as are one or more associated mechanical or electrical components.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A vehicle, comprising:

a plurality of ground-engaging members;
a frame supported by the plurality of ground-engaging members;
an electric motor supported by the frame;
and
a motor controller electrically coupled to the electric motor, the motor controller comprising:
a processor;
and
a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to perform a set of operations, comprising:
evaluating, based on a temperature threshold, a temperature of a temperature sensor associated with the electric motor;
when the temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, operating the electric motor according to a normal control scheme;
and
when the temperature does not exceed the temperature threshold, operating the electric motor according to a heating control scheme.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Self-heating electric motor control

Life of this patent

Self-heating electric motor control

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20