August 26, 2021: Power management company Eaton on August 10 said it had developed a series of 48 volt battery management systems.
The focus of the systems, says technology development manager with Eaton’s Vehicle Group Ben Karrer, is primarily on lead-acid batteries and supercapacitors, “these are two technologies that we believe bring differentiated value when compared against lithium-ion packs.
“What 48V systems offer generally is the ability to provide energy for higher power loads,” says Karrer.
“With four times higher voltage than 12V systems we can provide electrical power for things that have typically been powered mechanically, or to offer hybrid functionality, while still keeping the amount of current required in these systems in a range that is feasible.
“Eaton’s primary focus at this time is on commercial vehicle applications for 48V systems, where electrification of loads such as after-treatment catalyst heating, air conditioning and cooling fans, in addition to mild hybrid function, are the primary loads to be powered by these 48V systems.”
The systems have been developed for use in larger energy storage packs, which include controls, fusing and contactors.
“Eaton’s Electrical Components Group is our partner for supercapacitors, and we will be working with most commercial vehicle battery manufacturers for lead-acid batteries,” says Karrer.
“Of the options available, 48V architectures are becoming more popular because they can decrease both CO2 and NOx simultaneously, which helps both our customers and the environment.”
Most vehicles still operate with a 12V system, but with more power-consuming components constantly being added, increasing the power is becoming essential.
“Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive compared to lithium-ion packs and offer a safe and more efficient solution, with a longer lifespan when compared to existing lead-acid battery applications,” says Karrer.
“Lead-acid batteries are widely used today, they’re cost effective and safe, and we believe they can be an excellent source for lower levels of energy storage needed in 48V systems. Over time the amount of power these 48V systems will require will likely push energy storage into systems that are more energy or power dense.
“Lithium-ion batteries have much higher energy density, but much higher cost and more difficult integration and thermal restrictions.
“Finally, supercapacitors can be an attractive technology because they can handle high levels of power and significantly higher levels of cycling without degradation.”
