KEY ISSUE
SPARKING INNOVATION IN THE EV SECTOR Malte Frohberg, Head of Automotive Product Management, Low Frequency division at Huber+Suhner, looks at some of the challenges arising in electric vehicles – and presents some potential solutions to keep the sector on track.
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ith increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs), manufacturers face the challenge of creating high-performing vehicles on a mass scale. While high-power charging infrastructure is essential, there is also a vital demand on the performance of high voltage (HV) distribution within the EV in order to efficiently conduct, hold, distribute and use electric power after charging. Huber+Suhner has years of experience in addressing the challenges of powering EVs and delivering high voltage solutions to EV customers worldwide. Addressing several EV requirements, the company appreciates that a coordinated system of integrated solutions is the way forward for electric vehicles.
Resisting current issues The number of EVs on the road is increasing as businesses work towards a more fuel-efficient workforce to reduce costs and maintain sustainable values. However, as consumer demand rises and enterprises roll out more EV fleets to meet targets, EV technology faces the challenge of delivering resilient performance. To withstand the high voltage nature of the vehicle, EV operating systems are known to deteriorate rapidly, leaving transport susceptible to damages. Such issues are especially prevalent under harsh conditions such as mechanical abrasion, weather, moisture and temperature when travelling; elements that are unavoidable in transit. The inefficiencies that failures such as this cause in EVs is disruptive to travel and has become a salient issue across industry sectors as they struggle to sustain satisfactory performance levels. Damages inflicted by poor EV cabling across entire fleets can prove costly, and the reduction of the vehicle’s running and charging performance can interrupt business operations, costing businesses time and money. This is a rising issue, and manufacturers must combat this by implementing performance-enhancing innovations to their models. This is the only way to deliver efficient and reliable
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EV vehicles in order to stay competitive on the market. Technical innovations that effectively and evenly distribute the HV through all EV components, means the vehicle can run more safely and with stronger resilience. The Radox modular High Voltage Distribution Unit 2nd Generation (mHDVU Gen.2), developed by Huber+Suhner, offers just this; a specialised solution to increase the longevity of EVs in the commercial sector.
The driving force of the solution The implementation of end-to-end interconnected systems which use high voltage cables can eliminate the concerns surrounding shortage and failure in entire EV fleets. In the development of the Radox system, Huber+Suhner has combined cutting-edge technology to ensure consistent performance levels over the lifespan of the vehicle. By utilising its High Voltage Distribution Unit (HDVU), safety and efficiency can be guaranteed with the ability to withstand heavy duty application. With the average HDVU technology being able to manage 400-650 Volts DC, the Radox mHDVU can carry up to 800 Volts DC. The increased capability roll-out will be housed in lightweight aluminium, making the solution even more cost effective for customers. This makes the
“EV operating systems are known to deteriorate rapidly, leaving transport susceptible to damages.”
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Huber+Suhner HDVU the leading solution in the industry, and the most effective one in extreme cases of heavy usage in harsh environments, e.g., EMC protection, etc. By eliminating the likelihood of cable damage, the Radox HDVU can better serve customer needs, saving companies significant amounts in repair and delay costs. The Radox mHDVU Gen.2 is also quality assured. Its in-built weight and space saving solution makes for compact installation without contributing to increased fuel consumption, whilst its housing is certified with the International Protection (IP) marking, guaranteeing its effectiveness in protecting against dust, moisture and accidental contact intrusions. Such features are invaluable to any large-scale business with a high EV demand, ensuring that reliable and sturdy operating systems are in place to allow for uninterrupted journeys. The HDVU is available in two versions for different uses: 500 Volts DC, covering all voltage levels up to 500 Volts DC; and the 800 Volts DC variant, covering the voltage level between 500 and 800 Volts. Huber+Suhner’s engineering service allows for solutions to be provided to customers rapidly and with exact precision, and the communication between its engineers and customers ensures that the solution is suitable and correct.
Powering EVs for the future The Radox mHDVU Gen.2 is proven to be a resilient solution for the requirements of EVs. The configurable nature of this modular technology is a great benefit and contributor to this, with the box being able to fit among any existing systems due to its OEM compatibility and complete interoperability. In case additional functions and components are required, HVDUs can also be designed to the exact needs and dimensions a customer would need, resulting in a fully customised HVDU. EV technology is ever advancing, and innovation is needed to help the industry sustain high performance under high demand. Huber+Suhner offers this by way of its Radox HDVUs, along with other systems, providing complete solutions to overcome industry challenges and improve overall performance to benefit businesses worldwide. Huber+Suhner, hubersuhner.com
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23/03/2020 10:41