The voltages of traction batteries in electric vehicles are typically in the range of 400 to 800V today and may aim for values of 1500V in the future, as higher voltage allows for higher power with lower losses. The energies in these storage systems are enormous and can cause significant damage in the event of a failure. Safety devices in electric vehicles ensure that the high voltages and energies in the high-voltage batteries do not endanger anyone – neither drivers, passengers, nor first responders in the case of rescue after an accident.
Even in the event of a crash, it must be ensured that no dangerous voltage reaches the vehicle's body. Fuses are used to reliably disconnect the energy storage before conductive parts can bend and come into contact. If a short circuit occurs in the vehicle due to the crash, currents of several kiloamperes must be reliably separated. This is done, for example, with the help of so-called pyro fuses, which break the electrical connection through a small explosion, similar to the igniters used in automotive airbags. Pyro fuses are a safety-relevant component and must therefore be thoroughly tested.
To demonstrate the triggering behavior of such a component under simulated short-circuit conditions, a power supply is necessary that can deliver several kiloamperes of current for a few milliseconds. Additionally, it must generate a realistic battery voltage of up to 1500V while the fuse is triggered.
IRS System Development and GvA Power Electronics develop pulse current sources for up to 35kA in close collaboration. This cooperation combines the years of solid experience of GvA in power electronics, high-current design, and system manufacturing with IRS in software, safety, and measurement technology.
The voltages of traction batteries in electric vehicles are typically in the range of 400 to 800V today and may aim for values of 1500V in the future, as higher voltage allows for higher power with lower losses. The energies in these storage systems are enormous and can cause significant damage in the event of a failure. Safety devices in electric vehicles ensure that the high voltages and energies in the high-voltage batteries do not endanger anyone – neither drivers, passengers, nor first responders in the case of rescue after an accident.
Even in the event of a crash, it must be ensured that no dangerous voltage reaches the vehicle's body. Fuses are used to reliably disconnect the energy storage before conductive parts can bend and come into contact. If a short circuit occurs in the vehicle due to the crash, currents of several kiloamperes must be reliably separated. This is done, for example, with the help of so-called pyro fuses, which break the electrical connection through a small explosion, similar to the igniters used in automotive airbags. Pyro fuses are a safety-relevant component and must therefore be thoroughly tested.
To demonstrate the triggering behavior of such a component under simulated short-circuit conditions, a power supply is necessary that can deliver several kiloamperes of current for a few milliseconds. Additionally, it must generate a realistic battery voltage of up to 1500V while the fuse is triggered.
IRS System Development and GvA Power Electronics develop pulse current sources for up to 35kA in close collaboration. This cooperation combines the years of solid experience of GvA in power electronics, high-current design, and system manufacturing with IRS in software, safety, and measurement technology.
Features
Peak currents up to 35kA
Voltage range up to 1500V
Pulse duration approx. 5ms @ 30kA
Single-shot or optional multi-shot function with IGBT technology
Application Areas
The current impulse systems from GvA and IRS can be used to test various switching devices in the automotive sector.
The focus is currently clearly on the separation of traction batteries in the event of a crash, but applications in the energy sector have similar requirements.
The systems are used for design validation at manufacturers and testing institutes.
Moreover, sampling tests in production ensure the reliability of the products with current impulse systems.
Features
Peak currents up to 35kA
Voltage range up to 1500V
Pulse duration approx. 5ms @ 30kA
Single-shot or optional multi-shot function with IGBT technology
Application Areas
The current impulse systems from GvA and IRS can be used to test various switching devices in the automotive sector.
The focus is currently clearly on the separation of traction batteries in the event of a crash, but applications in the energy sector have similar requirements.
The systems are used for design validation at manufacturers and testing institutes.
Moreover, sampling tests in production ensure the reliability of the products with current impulse systems.