Is a Prius inverter good for an EV?

[NiHaoMike]

I did some research about the Prius inverter for my ECEN 370 class, and here's one of the best links about the inner workings:
Prius inverter
In summary, if it's possible to obtain one for cheap enough and figure out how to use it with your own controller, it's good for a homemade EV. In addition to the inverter itself, you also get a boost converter, accessory 12v PSU, and an accessory (A/C) inverter. It is especially good for the beginner EV builder since the details in the power electronics are already done. (But I, as an electrical engineer, would prefer to build from scratch unless it would be much cheaper to just use a Prius inverter.)

The nominal input voltage is around 200v, which is about 16 common 12v batteries. The Prius motors are 500v, which is close to the 480v of common industrial motors. The main problem is that it gives you two outputs when you really want one. It's not possible to parallel them as you cannot guarantee synchronization of the drive signals. Perhaps you can use two motors, one about twice as large as the other, couple the shafts together, and parallel the drive signals.

[dcb]

Originally Posted by NiHaoMike

... if it's possible to obtain one for cheap enough and figure out how to use it with your own controller, it's good for a homemade EV. ...

But what off the shelf controller will know what to do with the power factor corrector? This sounds like a custom controller to reuse the power components in the prius inverter, which is good for maybe 60hp and severely limits your motor options.

Caps and surplus IGBTs and handwound inductors can be had for much less than a typical used prius inverter and are in greater supply.

[NiHaoMike]

For beginners, it could be useful since there is much less to build. It obviously won't be as useful for the electrical engineers.

But what off the shelf controller will know what to do with the power factor corrector?

I think the boost stage controller is integrated into the inverter. If that's the case, it's just a matter of connecting the control connections to the microcontroller. If not, there are plenty of off the shelf PWM chips that can do it.

[dcb]

It sounds like you have to be an EE in either event Might as well put your efforts into something that isn't proprietary, assuming you are not on the toyota payroll.

What are the inputs, what about battery selection for regen, how about the motor(s)? when it decides not to run for lack of an engine then what? What if the voltage cutoffs are not appropriate an ev?

I've considered repurposing controllers before, I couldn't make it make sense, was easier to start over with a thorough understanding of what you wanted it to do.