Reliability Assessment for Failure Mechanisms in Complex Electrified Systems

The article delves into the critical issue of reliability assessment for failure mechanisms in complex electrified systems, driven by the shift towards electric propulsion in the automotive industry. Focusing on the FVV project 'Lifetime Model Winding Insulation,' researchers at the University of Stuttgart investigate the impact of Partial Discharge (PD) on electric motor winding insulation, particularly in hairpin designs powered by Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors. The study highlights the importance of understanding PD mechanisms to enhance the efficiency and range of battery-electric systems. It employs statistical Design of Experiments (DoE) methods to identify key influencing parameters and develop heuristics for predicting insulation degradation. The use of AI in measurement systems analysis and data evaluation further optimizes the reliability assessment process. The article concludes with a multi-stage experimental design and unbiased evaluation methods, offering a structured approach to ensure the reliability of complex systems in the face of unknown damage mechanisms.