Eaton to supply DC-DC converters for new full battery-electric semi-truck
Energy management company Eaton has announced that its eMobility business has won a contract to supply a 24-to-12-volt DC-DC converter for use in a battery-powered e-commercial vehicle (BEN), which supplies components such as the anti-lock braking system and lighting with electricity. The BEN will be available on the North American and Chinese markets from the end of the year.
"DC converters are an integral part of our eMobility product portfolio and are used in a wide variety of vehicle applications," said Pratik Trivedi, General Manager, Eaton eMobility Division. "Like conventional vehicles, electric vehicles (EF) also have low-voltage loads on board - such as infotainment systems, GPS, and safety devices. Therefore, efficient conversion from high to low voltage is critical, but it is also important to have a secondary converter to power the traditional 12-volt loads. We are delighted to be able to incorporate our proven current transformer technology into this new, innovative electric truck platform. "
The special converter from Eaton, which is also known as a battery equalizer, works together with another converter that takes the current from the 600-volt system of the BEN and transforms it down to 24 volts. The eMobility unit then reduces the voltage to 12 volts to use it in low-voltage systems and to operate a 12-volt emergency battery in the event of a fault in the main power supply. This compensation function - the 12-volt battery and a split 24-volt battery system - ensures that important safety devices can continue to operate with 12 volts in the event of a power failure. This ability makes the converter unique among the product offerings in this area.
Eaton's DC / DC converter also comprises noise suppression and interference suppression so that there is no interference between the device and the vehicle electronics.
"The converter is robust and resilient, offers protection against environmental influences such as salt spray and water, and has a high level of vibration resistance," said Trivedi. "It's an ideal solution for manufacturers who need a reliable way to power traditional vehicle components in high-powered battery-electric vehicles."
