Jason Ford

TSB backs converter development for hybrid cars

News

Electrical power systems on future hybrid vehicles could be less expensive, lighter and more compact with a new flexible DC-to-DC converter capable of handling multiple voltages simultaneously.

The technology is the intended result of work being conducted by a consortium led by research and development firm Prodrive.

Manchester University, Raytheon Systems, Scisys, International Transformers and Tata Motors European Technical centre are taking part in the three-year programme, which is being supported by investment from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

A DC-to-DC converter is an electronic circuit that converts a source of direct current (DC) from one voltage level to another. This is particularly important in hybrid and electric vehicles because the battery cell voltage varies with state of charge. The battery state of charge can vary a vehicle’s performance so a DC-to-DC converter is necessary to maintain the voltage level.

Currently, hybrid vehicles use multiple DC-to-DC converters because various devices − including traction motors, cabin electrical systems, fuel-cell stacks or supercapacitors − have different voltage needs.

Pete James, Prodrive’s technical specialist, said existing hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius, need one DC-to-DC converter for the traction motor and another for the vehicle’s 12V system.

Register now to continue reading

Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.  

Benefits of registering

  • In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends

  • Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year

  • Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox

Register
Or continue by

Signing in with your registered email address