DCDC Converter for Hybrid Vehicle Applications

Abstract:
Wide applications of hybrid vehicles (vehicles with a combustion engine and an electrical engine) are the next step in the automotive industry to reduce the CO2 emissions. The technology is ready for series production as models of various OEM’s are demonstrating. For a hybrid vehicle an electric motor, an inverter and a battery is needed. But another key component is the DCDC converter, the link between the high – voltage Battery and the standard 14V electrical system. This DCDC converter replaces on the one hand the standard alternator – a component as old as the automobile itself and with a history of about 100 years development, production and reliability know how. In fact all electrical components in nowadays cars are designed to operate with the benefits of the alternator and to withstand its disadvantages. According to the actual power demands today the DCDC converter power is rated between 1kW and 3kW.