Eaton, an intelligent power management company, has teamed up with Munich Electrification to develop and promote its innovative battery configuration switch (BCS). This solution is designed for 400-volt/800-volt dual-string battery packs used in electrified vehicles. The integrated, bi-stable device allows for seamless parallel/series reconfiguration, enabling 800-volt vehicles to charge effectively using 400-volt chargers. This approach offers significant advantages over conventional charging methods.
Mark Schneider, president of Eaton’s eMobility, stated, “At Eaton, we are leveraging our extensive background in electrified mobility solutions to introduce this promising new technology in collaboration with Munich Electrification, known for its cutting-edge battery management systems. While there are many 800-volt vehicles on the market, numerous charging stations can only provide 400-volt power. The BCS offers charging flexibility, allowing consumers to access a broader network of DC chargers.”
Targeted at automotive, light commercial, and UTV applications, Eaton’s BCS reduces the number of components in a battery disconnect unit by up to 12. This simplification streamlines the system, enhancing packaging and assembly efficiency. Additionally, the BCS minimizes contact resistance, improving overall system performance by decreasing the number of contact points required by traditional contactors.
Eaton also highlighted that the BCS features a mechanical interlock to prevent pack short circuits caused by crashes, software failures, or contactor malfunctions. It can maintain stable conditions even if the electronic control unit loses power. Its bi-stable design enhances operational efficiency by eliminating the hold current associated with conventional contactors, providing resilience against low voltage faults and ensuring a safe condition across various potential failure modes.
Uwe Wiedemann, managing director of Munich Electrification, commented, “By combining Munich Electrification’s legacy of innovation in the EV battery sector with Eaton’s expertise in electrical switching and automotive manufacturing, we are effectively addressing our customers’ most significant challenges together.”
