Absopulse's Rugged, 600Vdc Input, Rugged DC/DC Converter/Charger in all-Electric Supercar

The RGE team is about to take the SRZero on 26,000km endurance trip from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina, on the Pan American Highway, the longest highway in the world, to demonstrate the range and endurance of EV (electric vehicle) technology.

The role of Absopulse's HVI 300-600/14 in the SRZero, according to Alexander Schey, RGE Project Manager, is effectively the same as an alternator in an internal combustion vehicle, enabling the SRZero's 600V lithium iron phosphate battery pack to float charge a 12V battery, which in turn powers the car’s low voltage control system. It is essential that the unit delivers 300W continuously and reliably, as the entire control system, which operates all safety features as well as lights, display, and other components, runs off the 12V system.

The HVI 300-600/14 is equipped with non-destructive reverse polarity protection on the input, surge protection and high-grade input/output filtering; 3kVdc input to output isolation ensures that the control system is protected from high voltages from the 56kW battery pack. The unit is filtered to meet EN55022 Class A EMI conducted and radiated, an important consideration in electric vehicles where EMI can cause electrical systems to behave unreliably.

Cooling is combined: by conduction to a base plate, and by convection. This compact unit measures 132 x 64 x 300 mm (5.2 x 2.5 x 11.8). Ruggedizing and conformal coating provide additional immunity to shock, vibration and humidity, essential for rugged open-road conditions.

A second HVI 300-600/14 unit will be used primarily as a back up. Shey comments that should the SRZero need more power than a single 300W unit can provide, they will have the facility to install the second unit in parallel with the first. Such an occasion may arise if they are forced to add much more power-hungry fans onto the radiator for their long, hot climbs up the Andes mountains.

For detailed specifications for the HVI 300-600/14, please see datasheet above (right). Absopulse offers an extensive range of high input voltage DC/DC converters for mobile, railway and industrial applications.