Power electronics are transforming and managing electrical energy, making their way into a wide range of devices from smartphones to high-voltage rectifiers. In the electric vehicle sector, their significance is especially pronounced due to the nature of the vehicles. The following discussion looks at how they improve performance, energy management, and control in EVs, boosting the prospect of green automobiles.
Efficiency gains through power conversion
EV inverters improve the effectiveness of an EV’s powertrain by reducing energy losses during the conversion of DC to AC. This leads to reduced charging time and consequently, longer driving range. These low-voltage systems have mirrors, climate control, and heated seats which is a key aspect of the driving experience. They operate at much lower voltages, commonly in the 12V to 48V range. EV inverters help to increase the automotive’s performance by providing fast and accurate torque control. This results in better acceleration and higher top speeds. They also reduce the noise generated by a powertrain by controlling the motor’s speed and torque more effectively. This is expected to procure the largest share of the inverter segment of the power electronics electric vehicles market by 2026.
In March 2022, Equipmake launched a next-generation inverter, utilizing the high-power density of silicon carbide. Its HPI-800 inverter gave such efficiency gains that it had the capacity to reduce the size of an EV’s battery by around 10%. Moreover, its lightweight and compactness brought further benefits in packaging too. Ian Foley, the managing director of Equipmake stated that in a typical high-performance, the associated efficiencies can reduce the size of the battery by 40-50kg.
Energy management through regenerative technology
Also known as the kinetic energy recovery system, this regenerative braking technology minimizes energy consumption in EVs significantly. It captures the kinetic energy from braking and transfers it to electrical power that charges the high-voltage battery. This technology conserves 70% of energy during sudden breaks and halts. At present, EVs can move up to 404 km per charge, depending on the terrain, automotive’s size, and traffic. Not only does this result in cost savings but also expands the overall range with an added boost of electricity, relieving drivers from range anxiety. Furthermore, greater efficacy of braking reduces wear and tear on the brakes.
For instance, MG ZS 2021 has a 44.5Kwh pack, which gives a 23% increased mileage on its baseline variant launched in 2020. In addition, it allows pre-setting of the transmission to three different regenerative braking levels- light, moderate, and heavy.
Added delivery and thermal regulation
Power electronics regulate the flow of energy from the battery to the motors and make sure that the battery and motors function within parameters. It charges and discharges each cell equally, extending the life of the batteries and improving performance. Moreover, it enables vehicles to communicate with charging stations with advanced communication systems so that the battery is charged as expected by the manufacturer. Advanced BMS technology can optimize charging rates and manage temperature fluctuations, ensuring that batteries remain within the ideal operating range.
During the winter months, the cooling and thermal managing system in EVs helps adjust the temperature of the battery pack at hot and cold extremes. Additionally, the electric motor also transforms and reverses some of the kinetic energy into electrical energy when the driver decelerates or applies the brakes. This regenerative energy is then supplied back into the pack through the traction inverter. It effectively recharges and enhances the EV’s energy competence.
Panasonic Corporation agreed to supply automotive-grade lithium-ion battery cells to Tesla in October 2013. An upgrade of their previous agreement, Panasonic supplied around 2 billion cells in 4 years. This battery was used to charge Model S and Model X. A 2024 January article published by TATA ELXSI reflected TATA’s involvement in optimizing power electronics design for EVs, focusing on advanced simulations to better the vehicle performance.
Monitoring and control through smart sensors
During an unexpected acceleration, power electronics modulate the power sent to the wheels to prevent traction loss, and thus strengthen stability and control. This control unit manages power distribution and safety for ideal functioning across the entire system. This unit is trained in adopting several styles and loads of driving. Real-time sensor implementation analyzes data and significantly improves energy distribution and responsiveness.
Developing control software for EV powertrain controllers requires defining, testing, and validating, and designing the control software to work together with each component.
Infineon AURIX™ TC3xx automotive MCUs, Typhoon HIL Ultra High-Fidelity HIL, and Vector’s VX1000 System offer high-performance architecture, ideal for diverse automotive applications. These systems empower precise control over raw data captured by high-resolution radar sensors. The HIL approach permits testing before physical prototypes are built, allowing many test conditions, and verifying behavior in the face of disturbances and faults.
The Crux
Power electronics in EVs involve utilizing electronic components to manage the flow of electrical power from the battery to the motor and various other systems. Achieving compact and lightweight designs is important for maximizing range and acceleration, as every extra ounce impact usability. In the upcoming years, silicon carbide and gallium nitride are expected to lead the industry due to their efficiency and smaller size, broadening the scope of wider applications in sustainable locomotives.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
