Smart Solutions for Automated Fast Charging and the Thermal Challenges in High Power Charging

Authors

Ing. A. Kamar BSc, Schunk Transit Systems GmbH, Wettenberg; Dr. S. Reisinger, Schunk Carbon Technology GmbH, Bad Goisern:

Year

2021

Print Info

Production/Publication ÖVK

Summary

To achieve widespread public acceptance of electric cars, a reduction in charging times is essential. While currently around 200 kW of power is accessed during typical charging times of 25 minutes, solutions for automated fast charging above 500 kW are being worked on to significantly reduce charging times to a few minutes while providing a unique, comfortable experience. As a manufacturer of automated charging systems (Schunk Smart Charging), the Schunk Group is actively working on increasing charging currents. The effect of charging currents on the thermal design of contacting components will be considered. Results from simulations and practical tests will be presented and viable solutions will be evaluated with respect to the parameters weight: installation space, insulation resistances, and costs for active and passive cooling. Ultimately, the solutions must be robust, modularly integrable and automatable. The critical infrastructure of automated charging systems must be thermally controlled to ensure the safety of all users. By using a PCM-based temperature buffering material that is engineered to prevent the failure or overheating of the charging system, the peak performance can be improved and maintained. The choice of buffering temperature and heat storage capacity can be varied to allow for a range of solutions that are suited to the relative environment the charging system components and their unique requirements.

Number of pages

16 Order