A global Tier 1 automotive supplier that supplies power train, safety, and other power electronic systems to multiple Top 10 global automotive OEMs has placed an order with Ideal Power Inc., the developer and pioneer of the highly effective and widely patented B-TRAN® bidirectional semiconductor power switch. The Tier 1 will assess the order for a novel solid-state electric vehicle contactor design implementation, which includes a large number of packed B-TRAN® devices, SymCool® power modules, solid-state circuit breaker reference design boards, and drivers. As part of their product planning for this engagement, the Tier 1 automotive supplier requested and received budgeted quotations for millions of SymCool® power modules.
“This order is a significant milestone in the commercialization of our B-TRAN® technology as it shows continued momentum with large, prospective customers for EV contactor applications. The benefits that B-TRAN® brings to solid-state EV contactors are similar to the benefits it brings to solid-state circuit breakers – very low conduction losses and bidirectionality. We are now engaged with three global automakers, including Stellantis, and five global Tier 1 auto suppliers. Our growing number of engagements with global automakers and their Tier 1 suppliers is indicative of the ongoing transition from legacy electromechanical contactors to solid-state circuit protection solutions and the benefits of B-TRAN® compared to other semiconductor technologies for these applications,” stated Dan Brdar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ideal Power.
During incidents like collisions and malfunctions, as well as when the vehicle or subsystem is undergoing maintenance or is otherwise not functioning, an EV contactor cuts off the electric vehicle’s subsystems from the battery. Because they regulate high-voltage and high-current loads to and from the battery, contactors are crucial for safety. To separate the battery from electrical demands like the motor drive, heating and cooling systems, and charging systems, an electric vehicle uses a number of contactors, usually five to eight.
Solid-state contactors with B-TRAN® support offer significant advantages over electromechanical contactors. Because they lack physical connections that might wear out and need maintenance, they are more dependable and function orders of magnitude quicker, thereby preventing arcing and enhancing safety. Solid-state contactors with B-TRAN® support can offer integrated safety diagnostics as well as programmable trip and current limit settings. Ultra-low conduction losses, reduced costs, and a 50% decrease in the number of semiconductor switches required for the application because of B-TRAN®’s intrinsic bidirectionality are among the advantages unique to the technology. Because of these strong benefits, the company predicts that solid-state contactors will overtake electromechanical contactors in the EV and hybrid EV industries over the next five years.
