FEATURE POWER SUPPLIES & MANAGEMENT Flights Of
Electrical Fancy DC/DC converters to improve road and air transport systems
Words by Frank Vondenhoff, business development manager, Bel Power Solutions A
utomotive manufacturers are considering a migration to DC/DC converters for transport applications. Thanks to the efficiency, reliability and practicability of modern converters, these can now displace alternators for powering auxiliary components and battery charging. To serve this market, Bel Power Solutions has developed the eMobility family, focused on the development of EV power components for road and air transport systems. The product family is designed to address the emerging needs of electric/hybrid vehicles.
THE CONVINCING ADVANTAGES When discussing the advantages of DC/ DC converters, in contrast to traditional rotating alternators, one should consider how they are powered: directly from high-voltage battery packs, instead of a generator that is mechanically coupled to the engine. The advantage here is higher efficiency; there are no moving parts, such as belts and pulleys, which could present a point of failure. Bel has committed to the design, specification and support of DC/DC converters, by leveraging the latest advances in CAN bus communication and other related technologies. Prices are competitive and lead times are short, reinforced with customer service and technical advice.
Examples of Bel’s DC/DC technology include the 350/700 DNC40-12/24-8G (liquid-cooled) and the 350/700 DNC40-12/24-CG (convection-cooled) ranges of down-converters, delivering up to 4kW of power with liquid cooling, or 3.3kW with convection cooling. With high efficiency of up to 93 per cent, the products in these ranges deliver robust and dependable performance with low output voltage noise.
24 OCTOBER 2019 | ELECTRONICS
The output voltage is, nominally, either 14.4 or 28V, but can be adjusted over the CAN bus serial interface. Input and output are galvanically isolated, and communication and control elements are optimised via CAN bus, according to SAE J1939 regulations. As mentioned, cooling can be achieved
either by liquid or convection. The operating temperature of liquid-cooled models range between -40 and +85 degrees Celsius, while convection- cooled models offer -40 to +45 degrees Celsius. Each converter in the 350/700 DNC40-12/24 Series is equipped with temperature, voltage and current protection. And each model is protected with regard to input and output polarity, with Ingress protection rated at IP65 and IP67, with e-mark compliance.
CUSTOMISATION IS AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE Customisation of DC/DC converters for automotive applications is a necessary extension of any standard product specifications. This is especially true in the automotive field, where it is commonplace for manufacturers to hold varied requirements. The eMobility family is able to accommodate requirements, including precise output voltages. A recent example of this can be seen at Zurich Airport, Switzerland. The auxiliary power supply for airplanes being serviced at the gate, which is usually a diesel generator on a ground support vehicle, has been replaced by a 300VDC battery pack and DC/DC converter.
This delivers a cleaner and convenient charging procedure. Bel has also provided DC/DC converters for a plethora of applications, including a rollercoaster entertainment park that required power to reliably maintain the ride’s 20 carts.
DC/DC CONVERTERS AND ELECTRIFICATION TRENDS The electrification of transportation systems continues, and is creating substantial demand for advanced DC/DC converter solutions. Drivers include the interest consumers hold for sustainability, matched by the business requirement for cost-effectiveness, while legislators continue to implement limits on emissions to protect the environment. The EU is leading the way in this regard, with new regulations that force European cities and metropolitan regions to limit access to diesel-powered buses and outdated petrol-fueled vehicles, in favor of cleaner electric alternatives. It is possible that by 2025, many European cities will only allow electric buses on their inner-city roads. These trends are being adopted by
The Bel Power Solutions 350DNC40 DC/DC converter, for hybrid and electric vehicles
the wider logistics industry, not least because of the emission and congestion charges that continue to be applied. This is an industry focused on efficiency in all its forms, and it is becoming more convinced about the cost potential and public image that can come from adopting a clean energy policy. The technology behind electric
transportation systems, for pleasure or industrial use, is maturing to become a major market presence: it would be difficult to argue against electric powered vehicles as the future of transportation.
Bel Power
www.belfuse.com / ELECTRONICS
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