Published by Bartłomiej TWOREK, Politechnika Śląska, Instytut Elektrotechniki i Informatyki, Zakład Maszyn Elektrycznych i Inżynierii Elektrycznej w Transporcie
Abstract. This article presents improvement concepts of automotive electrical systems. 12-volt electrical systems are heavy and not effective for hybrid and electric vehicles. Author of this article performed study of energy consumption to analyze this problem. For this purpose 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter was developed. Current measurements were made in vehicle fuse boxes during test drives and simulation tests. Studies have shown that some circuits are overloaded and incorrectly designed. After summarizing of measurement results, author developed concept of Energy Distribution Controller with integration of Power Rail. This solution combined with 48-volt installations, will allow to developed efficient electric system for hybrid and electric cars.
Streszczenie. W tym artykule przedstawiono koncepcje usprawnień w samochodowych systemach elektrycznych. 12-woltowe systemy stosowane we współczesnych pojazdach są ciężkie i nieefektywne dla pojazdów hybrydowych i elektrycznych. Autor tego artykułu przeprowadził badania zużycia energii w pojazdach samochodowych. W tym celu został opracowany 10 kanałowy amperomierz służący do pomiaru prądu w samochodowych instalacjach elektrycznych. Podczas badań symulacyjnych i jazd testowych prąd był mierzony w skrzynkach bezpiecznikowych pojazdów. Badania wykazały że niektóre obwody elektryczne są nadmiernie obciążone i niepoprawnie zaprojektowane. Autor przedstawił koncepcję sterownika Centralnej Dystrybucji Energii z integracją szyny zasilającej. Rozwiązanie te połączone z instalacjami 48-voltowymi pozwoli opracować efektywny system dystrybucji energii dla pojazdów hybrydowych i elektrycznych. (Koncepcje rozwoju instalacji elektrycznych w pojazdach elektrycznych i hybrydowych).
Słowa kluczowe: Instalacje elektryczne w pojazdach samochodowych, Pomiar zużycia energii elektrycznej w pojazdach
Keywords: Automotive Electric Systems, Measurement of energy losses, Power Rail, Energy Distribution Controller
Introduction
12-volt installations are currently common in vehicles. This type of electric systems are not effective in cars with high power consumption. The disadvantage of typical installations are also the weight (about 60 kg). The average length of electrical harnesses is approximately 6000 m and depends on vehicle variants. The cost of electrical wires is also high because copper is used as main conductor. Weight and costs shall be reduced by optimizing the construction of electric system.
Author performed energy consumption measurements to analyze this problem. The current measurements were made with using 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter in car fuse boxes. After measurement sessions results were analyzed and summarized. Study of energy consumption done by author confirms also statement that main electric circuits are overloaded. Author has developed concept of Energy Distribution Control Unit with integration of 48 Volt electric system and Power Rail. This solution allows to integrate an effective electric system for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Measurement of energy consumption
Measurement of power consumption are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the electrical installation. Professional measurement stands are located in laboratories and can simulate the operations of the vehicle electrical system. This method of measurement is very accurate but does not allow analysis of parameters in the vehicle’s operation and test drives.
Author has developed a new method for measuring energy consumption with using 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter. This equipment allows to measure current in fuse box and power consumption in mass-produced vehicles without disassembling the components. Fig. 1 shows the schematic of test stand. Test stand includes 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter, Clamp ammeter (optional) and oscilloscope.
Vehicles with complex electrical system were selected for tests. Measurement sessions of energy consumption was performed during laboratory tests and test drives. This methods allows to simulate the operating conditions of the electrical system in different types of vehicles.
Table 1 presents part of measurement results during measurement of energy consumption. Circuit ID, fuse type and list of electrical equipment are detailed specified in manufacturer technical documentation. The last column presents measured current during tests.
Table 1. Measurement results in automotive electric systems
| ID | Electrical Equipment | Fuse Type | I, A |
|---|---|---|---|
| F1S | Engine Control Unit | 20 A | 3.41 |
| F2S | Horn | 15A | 0.10 |
| F3S | Windscreen washer pump | 10 A | 0.12 |
| F4S | Headlight Washer Pump | 10 A | 0.09 |
| F5S | Engine equipment, Secondary fan motor | 15 A | 3.51 |
| F6S | Mass flow sensor, Directional light system | 10 A | 2.31 |
| F7S | Power steering | 10 A | 1.15 |
| F8S | Starter | 25 A | 0.01 |
| F9S | Clutch pedal sensor, Brake pedal sensor | 10 A | 0.08 |
| F10A | Main fan motor | 30 A | 8.14 |
| F11S | A/C fan | 40 A | 6.51 |
| F12S | Windscreen wipers | 30 A | 0.06 |
| F13S | Body Control Module (BSI) | 40 A | 5.12 |
| F17S | Low beam right | 15 A | 3.21 |
| F18S | Low beam left | 15 A | 3.23 |
| MF1 | DC Motor – heating system | 50 A | 3.12 |
| MF2 | ABS system | 50 A | 2.31 |
| MF4 | BSI equipment | 80 A | 8.12 |
| MF8 | Suspension hydraulic pump, Suspension air compressor | 40 A | 7.16 |
10 Channel Automotive Ammeter
Measurement of power losses in car electrical systems is difficult to perform due to set correct measurement range.
The solution to this problem is to measure the current using an ammeter designed by the author. Most of popular ammeters have too small measuring range (about 20 A). 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter developed by the author can measure the current up to 200 A. This measurement instrument is based on ACS770 Hall effect current sensors which can measure current in wide range.
Advantages of using 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter:
• ability to protect electrical circuits during electrical measurements,
• convenient access to the electrical circuits and harness,
• ability to perform measurements during vehicle operation and test drives
Ammeter Specification is presented in Table 2.
Table 2. General specification of 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter Input Voltage:
| Number of measuring channels: | 10 |
Specification of measuring channels:
| TS | Shunt (100 A/75 mV) |
| CH1 | Current Sensor ACS770ECB-200B (200 A) |
| CH2 | Current Sensor ACS770ECB-200B (200 A) |
| CH3 | Current Sensor ACS770ECB-200B (200 A) |
| CH4 | Current Sensor ACS770LCB-100B (100 A) |
| CH5 | Current Sensor ACS770LCB-100B (100 A) |
| CH6 | Current Sensor ACS770LCB-100B (100 A) |
| CH7 | Current Sensor ACS770LCB-050B (50 A |
| CH8 | Current Sensor ACS770LCB-050B (50 A) |
| CH9 | Current Sensor ACS770LCB-050B (50 A) |
| Sensor type | Bidirectional |
| Sampling frequency | 0…120 kHz |
| LCD Display: 1) Dual segment display 2) Graphic display | 1) TS 2) CH1-CH9 |
| Measuring connector | BNC |
Summary of measurement results
After measurement sessions results have been analyzed and summarized. The conclusion is that 12V electrical systems and energy distribution solutions have reached the peak of efficiency. This confirms the fact that complexity of electrical circuits must be optimized. The number of electronic controllers and electrical components has increased in modern vehicles. Load factor level and the weight of electrical installations also must be reduced.
Measurement of the maximum power consumption in the vehicle’s electrical circuits was tested in simulations of environmental conditions. During tests heating elements were switched on at low temperatures (e.g. glow plugs, window heating), engine cooling systems were tested at high temperatures (e.g. engine fans, air conditioning). Power consumption measurements were performed by author with using 10 Channel Automotive Ammeter.
Research shows that these electrical circuits are overloaded (Fig.2):
1) Starter circuit (up to 260 A),
2) Windscreen and mirror heating (up to 18 A),
3) Seat heating and control (up to 17 A),
4) Actuators and electric motors circuits (up to 15 A),
5) Engine cooling system (up to 12 A),
6) Hydraulic pump and air pressioner in active suspension system (up to 9 A),
7) Fuel heating and heating systems (e.g fuel heaters, glow plugs) (up to 14 A),
8) Vehicle lighting based on halogen bulbs (up to 25 A)
Measurement results have contributed to develop the concepts described in next chapters.
48 Volt Systems
The energy consumption analysis presented in this article shows that main 12V circuits are overloaded. The way to optimize energy distribution systems is to use higher voltage level in vehicle electric system. During research made by key automotive companies, it was decided to increase the voltage level up to 48 V. Typical examples where 48V installations can be used are electric motors used in electric window lifts, power steering motors and other actuators that require high power efficiency [1]. Development of 48V components was initiated in hybrid and electric cars.
Components should be designed in a compact form, oversized solutions are not recommended (except safety equipment). It is also a good practice to replace heavy pneumatic and hydraulic systems with electrical solutions. Electric components can be installed in places where they are not exposed to high temperature and humidity, so their life cycle will be increased [2].
After analyzing of these problems, it can be stated that the development of 48V systems and equipment is a good improvement to implement new solutions in electric and hybrid vehicles. 48V systems have also disadvantages that were not previously present. The main problem is the increased incidence of arterial discharge [3]. This problem occurs in the components that switch the circuits on and off, particular case are the integrated relays [4].
Energy Distribution Control Unit
After analysis of 48V systems, author developed the concept of an extended electrical installation which integrates the 12V and 48V systems. The solution is shown in Fig.3.
The main component of the system is the Energy Distribution Control Unit (4) connected to the bidirectional DC/DC converter (5). The energy sources are lithium-ion batteries (7), 12V lead-acid battery (1) and supercapacitors (6). Additionally it is possible to charge the battery system using an alternator (3) driven by petrol engine (2). Energy Distribution
Control Unit functions:
• integration of 12V and 48V systems,
• DC/DC converter control,
• battery charge level calculation
• diagnostics of battery systems,
• battery charging process control,
• charging interface (Plug-in),
• supervision of circuit overload protection using eFuse and regular fuses (redundancy of over current protection),
• cell balancing (active and passive balancers),
• diagnostics of electrical circuits and components.
This concept can be applied to electric and hybrid cars. In electric vehicles, the motor operates as load, but it is also possible to work in a generator mode. In vehicles with petrol engines the alternator works as a source of electric energy. This concept includes cooperation with the efficient lithiumion cells that during operation require a balancing process. Implementing these features allows to integrate BMS (Battery Management System) with Energy Distribution Controller.
The concept of integrating electrical systems involves the use of conventional lead-acid battery, it is a relatively cheap type of power source and can supply components at low ambient temperatures. Typical process is petrol motor start up (high current efficiency at low temperatures). Components such as electric turbochargers require additional power sources to supply large amount of power in a short time. Author in his concept predicted the possibility of using supercapacitor batteries that could supply energy to selected components. The concept of this system includes the use of additional optional power sources. Example is electric retarder that allows energy recovery from braking. An additional source of energy are also the solar panels that can be used in cars operating in warm climates. The integration of these energy source allows solar batteries to be charged.
The Central Energy Distribution Controller advantages:
• ability to integrate multiple energy sources,
• effective protection of electrical circuits against surges and short circuits,
• possibility to apply concept in electric and hybrid vehicles
• redundancy in energy sources
• diagnostics and active measurement of electrical circuits
Disadvantages of Central Energy Distribution Controller:
• cost of electrical system expansion,
• electric system complication (power sources, electrical components, assembly elements).
In the next part of this article author will describe the integration of this Central Energy Distribution System with Power Rail.
Concept of Central Power Rail
The concept of 12V/48V installation includes Central Distribution Controller described in the previous chapter is an evolutionary solution that will improve the electrical systems in modern vehicles. It can be stated that this concept enforces application of Central Power Rail. This solution limits the number of wires and harnesses, weight of complete electric system will be also reduced. The concept developed by the author integrates the central data bus with Power Rail. The rail integrates three or more conductors (+48V, +12V, GND) which are developed for distribution of energy to the receivers.
Power Rail reduces the energy losses. Special contacts with large contact surface can directly power electrical components and equipment. The Central Power Distribution Controller allows the rail to protection against overvoltage’s and short-circuits (eFuse integration). Author’s concept allows to integrate the Power Rail with the data bus. Thanks to this solution number of transmission wires and harnesses will be limited. Integration of Power Rail and lithium-ion batteries and can deliver more energy to electric receivers located in vehicle.
System – author’s conception:
1) Lead-acid battery, 2) Petrol engine, 3) Alternator, 4) Energy Distribution Control Unit, 5) Bidirectional DC/DC converter, 6) Supercapacitors, 7) Lithium-ion batteries, P) Plug-in connector
Conclusion
This article shows that electrical installations in modern vehicles need to be optimized. Measurement of energy consumption confirms that new solutions in power distribution shall be implemented in hybrid and electric cars. Concept of Central Power Controller developed by author of this article is good solution because this ECU (Electronic Control Unit) can integrate many functions and limits the number of wires and harnesses. Power Rail implementation optimizes energy distribution system and extends the data transfer system.
Implementation of Energy Distribution Control Unit concept will be described in next article after creating of Central Power Controller prototype. The effectiveness analysis of the new proposed solution will be done after laboratory tests and measurement sessions.
REFERENCES
[1] German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association, 48-Volt Electrical Systems – A Key Technology Paving to the Road to Electric Mobility, Die Elektroindustrie, Frankfurt 2016,
[2] Kuypers M., Application of 48 Volt for Mild Hybrid Vehicles and High-Power Loads, SAE Technical Paper 2014-01-1790, January 2014,
[2] Druhm O., Die Spannung steigt, Zukunftige Bordnetzarchitekturen mit 48V, Automobil Elektronik 09- 10/2017, October 2017,
[3] Ernst M., Heuermann M., Die wichtigsten Bordnetz-Trends, Elektronik Automotive Sonderheft Bordnetz, September 2014,
[4] Vollmer A., 48-V-Mildhybrid, Automobil Elektronik 05-06/2016,
[5] Babiel G., Bordnetze Und Powermanagment. Thermische Modellbildung fur elektrische Und elektronische Bauelemente, Springer Vieweg, Dortmund 2013,
[6] Babiel G., Elektrische Antriebe in der Fahrzeugtechnik, Springer Vieweg, Dortmund 2017,
[7] Reif K., Batterien, Bordnetze und Vernetzung, Springer-Verlag, Wiesbaden 2010,
[8] Meyer G., Advanced Microsystems for Automotive Applications, Springer, Berlin 2011.
Author: mgr inż. Bartłomiej Tworek, Politechnika Śląska, Instytut Elektrotechniki i Informatyki, Zakład Maszyn Elektrycznych i Inżynierii Elektrycznej w Transporcie, ul. Akademicka 10, 44-100 Gliwice, E-mail: bartlomiej.tworek@polsl.pl
Source & Publisher Item Identifier: PRZEGLĄD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 94 NR 6/2018, doi:10.15199/48.2018.06.30
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