System and method for thermal and lubrication management in electric drive module

A method of operating a thermal management system for an electric drive module (EDM) configured to generate and transfer drive torque to a driveline for propulsion of an electric vehicle, the EDM having a motor housing having an electric motor and a sump;

• a pump that delivers fluid through a hydraulic circuit to the electric motor;
• a first temperature sensor that senses a first temperature at the pump;
• a second temperature sensor that senses a second temperature at the sump;
• and a poppet valve disposed in the fluid circuit, the method comprising;
• determining, at a controller, an initial pump flow based on a heat losses associated with a speed and torque of the electric motor;
• commanding, at the controller, the pump to operate at an initial speed to satisfy the initial pump flow;
• comparing, at the controller, at least one of the first and second temperatures to a threshold;
• commanding, at the controller, the pump to operate at a first modified speed, distinct from the initial speed based on the comparing;
• selectively communicating fluid from the fluid circuit to at least one shower head on the motor housing using the poppet valve;
• determining whether a power loss of the system exceeds a power loss threshold;
• and
• operating the pump at a second modified speed, higher than the initial speed, wherein the second modified speed increases a pressure in the hydraulic circuit thereby opening the poppet valve.