Reducing Emissions Through Electrification

The use of electric batteries in transport is increasing – even for long-distance operations. But the levels for continuous power output of a heavy-duty vehicle outgrows those of a passenger car, demanding for new technologies to cope. A fuel-cell can be used as power source to convert hydrogen and oxygen into water, heat, and electricity, requiring a compressor that features rapid start-up capabilities to drive an intense airstream into the fuel-cell. With upcoming electrolysis, this might be a valuable option to e.g., power depot-charging or wireless opportunity charging.

Public transport mostly uses depot charging, which seems to become a transition technology for grid services, e.g., solar power stations: When not needed for public transport, the electricity of these solar power stations can support energy consuming air conditions during summer. High power charging in random routes in long haul logistics has defined high power charging for commercial vehicles with a DC voltage up to 1500V and a maximum charging current of 3000A. Thus, charging at the speed of 2 MW will be possible.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution as the use cases vary strongly. Still in every case, components such as controls, protection devices, sensors, and power electronics must handle the energy transfer of a loading station to an electric battery safely and efficiently.

This whitepaper explains:

• Why electrifying heavy-duty vehicles is necessary and possible today
• The need of a highly efficient, reliable electronic subsystem
• Parts and components and their role in the vehicles’ drive train
• New technology such as electrolysis as possible solution to satisfy modern energy needs
• Four use cases introducing possible ways to implement different electric battery loading systems for heavy-duty vehicles