Solid-state Switching in a 42V Automotive Electrical System

Martin Keane, Prof. W. G. Hurley,

The automobile is undergoing a revolution in the design of its electrical system. This is the result of increasingly sophisticated engine and body controls, as well as the introduction of new, electrically controlled functions. Accordingly, electrical power distribution in the passenger vehicle is on the cusp of dramatic change. With the proliferation of electronics into every automobile, major research is ongoing into how advances in fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, convenience and safety will be achieved. Hybrid vehicle technology is entering full production while a proposed new vehicle battery standard will take the automotive from a 14V to a 42V system voltage, thus enabling the automobile to a chive the goals described above. Traditionally, electromechanical relays have been used to switch power throughout the vehicle. However, serious issues arise with their use in the new 42V system (e.g., arcing), so they will be replaced by their solid-state counterparts. Although offering additional functionality, reliability and cost savings, semiconductor device operation in the unique electrical environment of an automobile needs to be investigated. Analysis is also required on the influence exerted by the thermal environment of the vehicle on switching, be it related to electromagnetic relay design or semiconductor switches, in which current and power ratings are curtailed, parameters that depend heavily on thermal stability. With the transition to 242V, DC motor applications that continue to be used at current power levels face modifications in terms of their construction (winding cross-section, number of turns) and control (e.g., PWM drive). As the electronic content of vehicles has increased, the safety of the vehicle has become more dependent on correctly functioning electronic systems and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) has become increasingly more important. 42V vehicle wiring carrying control, communicative or diagnostic information must be protected from crosstalk produced by fast-switched currents and voltage in neighbouring cables.

Start date: 1st of January 2001. This project has been completed.

Project collaborators: Enterprise Ireland

Project Publications

Conference
M. Keane, W. G. Hurley, "Intelligent Semiconductor Switch for 42V Automotive Application", Proceedings of the 37th Universities Power Engineering Conference, UPEC 02, Staffordshire University, pp. 416-420, September 2002.
M. Keane, W. G. Hurley, "Solid State Switching in 42V Automotive Environment", Proceedings of the 36th Universities Power Engineering Conference, UPEC 01, University of Wales, Swansea, Session 6B, September 2001.

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