Onboard battery charger boasts best-in-class power density
Silicon carbide (SiC) technology is used in BorgWarner Morse Systems’ onboard battery charger, which is compatible with all battery chemistries and voltage ranges of up to 800V.
It is claimed to have best-in-class for power density, power conversion efficiency and safety compliance.
The OBC is installed in hybrid or electric vehicles to convert alternating current (AC) from the power grid to direct current (DC) for charging batteries. The technology accepts an extended range of AC inputs including 7.4, 11 and 22kW power ratings with DC/DC converter rating integration from 2.3 to 3.6 kW as an option. It is compatible with all battery chemistries and voltages of 400, 650 and 800V.
The company’s technical center in Lugo, Italy, is dedicated to designing onboard battery chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). According to Joel Wiegert, president and general manager, BorgWarner Morse Systems: “We are proud that our latest offering with its silicon carbide technology provides maximum power conversion efficiency, thus saving energy and delivering an extended range for vehicle manufacturers and their customers.”
BorgWarner onboard chargers have a range of charging powers and capabilities. The model with a rated charging power of 7.4kW can also be used for charging powers of 1.8, 3.3 and 6.6kW and uses a single-phase supply from the power grid. The onboard charger with a rated charging power of 11kW is more efficient with its three-phase grid supply and fast charging strategy, while the onboard charger rated at 22kW has a three-phase supply and faster charging.
BorgWarner onboard chargers are designed to meet the standards for use in the USA, the EU, Japan, and China. They have good isolation between main input and DC output, are waterproof and dustproof, have an ISO 26262 safety rating and are contained in a liquid-cooled IP6K96 enclosure.
