Meeting high power demands of on-road electric vehicles

Paul Boughton

Sevcon has expanded its range of Gen4 motor controllers for electric vehicles with the introduction of a new high power unit.
 
The new Gen4 Size 8 AC motor controller is designed to meet the high performance and safety requirements of on-road and off-road electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.
 
The hardware platform of the new controller supports both AC induction and permanent magnet AC motor control technologies. The new controller has a continuous power output of up to 60kW‚ with a peak output of up to 100kW‚ and is capable of running from a peak DC supply voltage up to 400V.
 
The size 8 model is the latest addition to the successful Sevcon Gen4 range that combines the latest in electronic motor control technology with a compact, rugged and IP66 rated design to meet the needs of EV OEMs, EV conversions and EV drive train system integrators.
 
Advanced flux vector control improves traction control efficiency and motor responsiveness – channelling drive power and energy from the battery smoothly and efficiently.
 
In addition‚ the controller is designed to support a wide range of vehicle functional safety requirements including ISO26262.
 
Multiple motor sensor feedback options are provided through a range of hardware inputs and software control. Fully integrated sets of input and outputs are designed to handle a wide range of vehicle functions, eliminating the need for additional external input/output modules or vehicle controllers and connectors.
 
Alternatively, for a lower level of vehicle integration‚ the controller can operate as a motor 'slave', directly receiving a required motor torque/speed command via the CANbus.

The CANopen bus also allows the easy interconnection of multiple controllers and motors as well as devices such as displays and driver controls.
 
Sevcon’s new Gen4 range of motor controllers forms part of a comprehensive range of AC and DC motor controllers, power converters and battery chargers for electric powered vehicles.
 
For more information, visit www.sevcon.com

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