Functional Description - Power Inverter Module (PIM)

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

On PHEV vehicles, a high voltage Direct Current (DC) battery is used to power the Alternating Current (AC) electric motors. To accomplish this, the Power Inverter Module (PIM) is a dual inverter used between the high voltage battery and the electric motors to convert the DC power into AC power. The PIM is also capable of converting AC power into DC power to charge the high voltage battery. The PIM has the following primary functions:

The PIM interfaces with and controls a number of powertrain systems.

The PIM controls the interaction between the battery pack and the electric motors by controlling voltage, current, and frequency.
- The amount of current directed to the electric motor is directly proportional to the torque generated at the output shaft.
- The frequency of the three phase AC current being generated by the PIM is what controls the speed and direction of the output shaft.
- The PIM controls how and when power is delivered to the transmission based upon complicated control strategies and driver input.
The PIM regulates the HV battery system temperature by monitoring a number of inputs and outputs, and regulating the flow of coolant through the battery.
The PIM controls all high-level charging activity for the powertrain components by interfacing with the IDCM, the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM), and the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC). Here, the PIM is responsible for initiating the charging process, reporting the charging status, regulating the charge being delivered to the high voltage battery, and executing scheduled charges.
The PIM converts AC power generated by the P1 electric motors when the engine is running into DC power to charge the high voltage battery.
The PIM provides HV Direct Current (DC) to the Electric Air Conditioning Compressor (EAC). This circuit is protected by a fuse that is located in the PIM.

The PIM consists of an internal Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) and Motor Control Processor (MCP) that operate the P2 motor. There is an Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor (AHCP) and Motor Control Processor (MCP) that operate the P1 motor. The Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) communicates with the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM), Integrated Dual Charge Module (IDCM) and engine Powertrain Control Module. It is the main module controlling operation and functionality of the high voltage system. The Motor Control Processor (MCP) receives messages from the HCP and controls the direct operation of the electric motors. The MCP monitors the electric motors the operation of the motors and communicates any faults to the HCP.