Scalable controller drives efficiencies

The capacity for greater control of individual components – as well as higher torque and speed control – make a new system a tempting prospect for the automotive sector.

In automotive applications, the electrification of auxiliary drives is seen as having considerable potential. In urban transport, for instance, conventional vehicles consume up to 30% of the energy purely for the auxiliary drives, meaning it is not hard to see the attraction of a more energy-efficient alternative.

In many fields of the development of hybrid, fuel cell or electric vehicles, in addition to integration of innovative electrical (traction) drive systems, the electrification of the auxiliary drives is a very important factor.

Electric auxiliary drives are characterised by high energy efficiency and excellent controllability. The various applications for them are controlled efficiently, ensuring that the quality of the actual process is optimised. Totally or partly electrified trucks, buses, municipal vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery thus make a substantial contribution to a reduction in noise and pollutant emissions.

Whether energy is produced or provided by diesel generators, fuel cells, battery packs or supercapacitors, the T6 APD (Auxiliary Power Drive) Combivert from KEB offers a connection or adaptation facility for all energy sources. This is because auxiliary components such as air-conditioning and air compressors, hydraulic bilge pumps, ventilators, PTO substitutes (Power Take Off / Shaft) are decoupled from the combustion engine and can be installed in the most effective or mechanically favourable place.

Components of the T6 APD include the inverter modules in three power ratings with output nominal currents of 16.5A, 33A and 60A for up to six electric motors, as well as intelligent control for individual implementation of system characteristics and as a communication gateway for vehicle control.

Able to drive any motor without a feedback device, the T6 APD meets all the requirements for an automotive system with regard to mechanical and thermal properties, environmental conditions, EMC, safety and service life. Equally, the Common-Mode-DC-EMC filters fitted as standard, guarantee high operational safety in conjunction with other high-voltage components in the vehicle.

The drive’s capabilities mean efficient and on-demand adjustment of voltage, current, frequency, as well as a variety of control algorithms, including open-loop, sensorless SCL and A.SCL, SCL positioning.

The motor connector offers high vibration resistance, optimal shield connection and cable clamping, while software wizards enable quick and efficient commissioning

The T6 APD system allows efficient adaptation of voltage, currents and frequencies and can be adapted to specific vehicle requirements.

The drive software of the inverter modules ensures good shaft performance and the control of all types of electric motors is feasible. T6 APD also offers the user-free operation of synchronous and asynchronous motors (SCL), including positioning and automatic motor identification.