As liquid-based cooling for EV batteries becomes the technology of choice, Peter Donaldson explains the system options now available. Although there are other options for cooling EV batteries than using a liquid, it is rapidly taking over from forced-air cooling, as energy and power densities increase. It is emerging as the dominant technology...

Yokogawa has developed the fourth generation of its ScopeCorder test system, with a focus on the development of e-mobility systems (writes Nick Flaherty). The DL950 is aimed at applications such as testing EVs with SiC and GaN inverters, as well as ECUs, sensors and in-vehicle comms networks...

Although bidirectional charging for EVs remains a niche technology, writes Nick Flaherty, progress on its uptake is being made. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging is an appealing technology, as it enables EV batteries to be used as part of the electricity grid to even out demand. For example, electric car owners could charge their...

Maxim Integrated has launched a 14-channel data management and comms chip for BMSs that can be used in the highest level of safety design, ASIL-D (writes Nick Flaherty). The MAX17852 is aimed at EVs, HEVs and other transportation systems for smart junction box and 48 V automotive...

Peter Donaldson examines the factors involved in keeping tabs on the health and performance of key EV components. While an EV’s most costly component is its battery, there are also many other subsystems – inverters, generators and so on – whose condition is critical to safety and efficiency. Machinery health and usage monitoring is well-established...

Doosan Fuel Cell is to develop a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for ships (writes Nick Flaherty). It will use the cell to drive large marine motors of 9-10 kW, the power depending on the propeller’s design and speed of rotation. Solid-oxide fuel is easier to transport for shipping, and produces...

This hardware system puts modularity at the heart of commercial EV designs. Rory Jackson describes how it was designed and developed. For more than 10 years, Utah based VIA Motors has strived to develop technologies and system architectures for EVs to bring to fruition its vision for the next generation...

A European project is using a vanadium flow battery for an electric power system for ships (writes Nick Flaherty). Conoship in The Netherlands and Vega Reederei in Germany are using technology from Vanadium Corp in Canada to develop a next-generation redox fl ow battery stack. It will use a high energy-density...

Nick Flaherty explains the three types of switching technologies for inverters and how to match them to a given inverter design. Power electronics is of course a key technology for e-mobility systems, and the development of their components is a vital part of the evolution...

Danisense has launched a residual current monitor (RCM) with a 70 mm primary cable/busbar aperture for testing insulation (writes Nick Flaherty). The aperture allows monitoring of the residual currents in electrical power systems without the need for fast system shutdown. The monitor, called the RCMH070IB+, measures DC and AC...