I had a bit of a crazy idea and figured I'd post here in case someone knows whether this could actually work.
A client of mine wants to switch from OpenInverter to either EV Controls T-2C or Dynam Labs VCU+ for his LDU. I explained that he’ll need to reinstall the original Tesla logic board, and because his LDU is mounted in reverse, he’ll also need to swap two of the phase busbars (U, V, W) and the encoder wires. This is necessary because any setup using the OEM Tesla logic board is limited in reverse due to Tesla’s software, so you have to trick it into thinking it’s going forward.
While inspecting my own LDU, I noticed something interesting: it looks like you might be able to just swap the little white wiring harnesses going to the phase boards instead. In theory, this would allow you to swap two phases on the LV logic side rather than the HV busbars. Way easier, if it worked.
Obviously, I’m not keen on frying a motor just to test a theory, so I wanted to ask: has anyone tried this, or know enough to say whether it’s even possible? My gut says no, since those wires likely only carry sensor signals, and the actual phase sequencing is hardwired. But if this worked... wow, it would make things so much simpler.
Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
- nubster
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Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
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Re: Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
In theory, I think that could work. It's basically the same thing, changing which phase of the inverter is outputting to which motor busbar.
I've had the entire inverter apart a few times, so I know that the only connections to each phase are:
- the + and - busbars in the front
the phase output
the signal input that you're pointing out
The only other item you might need to change is that, if I remember correctly, the two outer phases have some sort of current sensor on their bus bar to the motor. I'm not sure if that can be accessed without removing the inverter from the casing. I imagine you'd need to swap those two as well to keep everything happy.
Edit to add: Large caveat - I have not done this so try at your own risk.
I've had the entire inverter apart a few times, so I know that the only connections to each phase are:
- the + and - busbars in the front
the phase output
the signal input that you're pointing out
The only other item you might need to change is that, if I remember correctly, the two outer phases have some sort of current sensor on their bus bar to the motor. I'm not sure if that can be accessed without removing the inverter from the casing. I imagine you'd need to swap those two as well to keep everything happy.
Edit to add: Large caveat - I have not done this so try at your own risk.
If at first you don't succeed, buy a bigger hammer.
1940 Chevrolet w/ Tesla LDU - "Shocking Chevy" - Completed Hot Rod Drag Week 2023 and 2024
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1940 Chevrolet w/ Tesla LDU - "Shocking Chevy" - Completed Hot Rod Drag Week 2023 and 2024
https://www.youtube.com/@MangelsdorfSpeed
- midway
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Re: Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
I think this variation will work. But you still need to swap the current and resolver sensors for correct operation. And most importantly, the gearbox is not designed for operation in the opposite direction. The pump pumps only in one direction, and the gears have teeth tilted in the other direction.
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Re: Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
I tried this with an LDU a year or so ago. Inverter made some unhappy noises so I didn't try for very long as I didn't want to blow up the LDU either.
Decided not to pursue it much further given how old the LDU is these days.
Decided not to pursue it much further given how old the LDU is these days.
- nubster
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Re: Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
Did you also swap the encoder wires or current sensors?
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Re: Crazy Idea - Could This Work Instead of Swapping Busbars?
Yes, although it is quite possible I missed something.