Exploring the Benefits of 48V Systems for Commercial Vehicles
New 48V on-board electrical systems in the automotive industry
In recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a growing trend towards the adoption of new 48V on-board electrical systems. These systems, providing four times the power of traditional 12/24V systems, offer numerous benefits in terms of efficiency and performance.
While initially used in passenger vehicles, there is now a rising interest in applying this technology to commercial vehicles as well. As the industry strives for higher efficiency and reduced emissions, 48VDC power systems are becoming more prevalent. They bring advantages like increased power density, improved energy efficiency, and reduced wiring weight.
Let’s explore the benefits and explores the key components of 48VDC power systems, including fuseholders, power distribution units, medium voltage relays, and other electromechanical components.
Powering High Power Systems
One of the main advantages of 48V systems for commercial vehicles is their ability to support a wide range of systems, such as electric power steering advanced driver assistance systems.
These components require more power than traditional 12/24V systems can provide, and using a 48V system allows for more efficient and effective operation.
Efficient Start-Stop Systems
48V systems allow for more efficient start-stop systems. When a commercial vehicle comes to a stop, its engine can be shut off to save fuel and reduce emissions.
When the vehicle needs to move again, the engine can quickly restart using power from the 48V system, which can provide a higher level of power than a 12/24V system.
Supporting Electrified Powertrain Components
48V systems for commercial vehicles ability to support electrified powertrain components, such as electrically driven superchargers or turbochargers. ‘
These components can provide a significant boost to engine performance, allowing commercial vehicles to operate more efficiently and with less strain on the engine
Increase power without raising the current-minimising copper.
48V systems have the benefit of increasing power to components without raising the current – minimising copper, which requires expensive cabling and a loss in transmission.
48V is competent enough in handling EV components without compromising fuel-economising strategies.
Sustainability Benefits of 48V Systems
The use of 48V systems in commercial vehicles can help to improve their environmental performance and reduce carbon footprint by reducing fuel consumption and Co2 Emissions and reduce energy consumption by supporting the efficient operation of high-power systems.
For example, 48V systems can support the implementation of start-stop systems in commercial vehicles, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions by shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. This is particularly beneficial for commercial vehicles that spend a lot of time idling in traffic or at loading docks.
48V System suits electric, hybrid and fuel driven commercial vehicles.
The adoption of 48V on-board electrical systems represents a major shift in the automotive industry, offering significant benefits in terms of efficiency and performance. While they are often used in hybrid and electric vehicles, they can also be used in traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how 48V systems continue to be adopted and developed, and how they will help to shape the future of commercial vehicles.
48V Fuses & Fuse Holders from MTA Automotive
MTA Automotive offers a range of fuses suitable for 48V electrical achitectures to support the most energy-demanding systems. 24V Fuse serier includes: M8Compact, MidiVAl, MegaCompact and MegaVAL. Of course, we also supply fuseholders for these applications.
Fuseholders are essential safety components in 48V power systems, ensuring proper electrical connections and preventing damage from environmental factors. In 48V systems, fuseholders must be designed to accommodate higher current ratings and voltage levels compared to traditional 12/24V systems. Key considerations for fuseholders in 48V systems include:
- Current rating: Must be rated to handle the increased current demands of 48VDC systems.
- Voltage rating: Designed to withstand higher voltage levels without compromising safety.
- Temperature range: Operate reliably over a wide temperature range to accommodate various operating conditions.
- Vibration resistance: Withstand the vibrations experienced during vehicle operation without compromising performance or safet
Power Distribution for 48V Systems
Power distribution in 48VD systems involves the efficient and safe routing of electrical power from the power source to various loads throughout the vehicle. Key aspects of power distribution in 48VDC systems include:
- Power distribution units (PDUs): PDUs serve as centralized hubs for managing power distribution in a 48VDC system. They often include features such as overcurrent protection, load shedding, and diagnostics to enhance system reliability and safety.
- Busbars: Distribute high-current power throughout the vehicle. In 48VDC systems, busbars must be designed to handle increased current levels and may require additional insulation to ensure safety.
- Wiring: Capable of handling higher voltage and current levels. This often necessitates the use of larger wire sizes, although advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques can help mitigate the increased weight and size.
Circuit Breakers & Medium Voltage Relays for 48V Systems
E-T-A offers a wide range of circuit breakers and power relays for DC 48 V on-board electrical systems in commercial vehicles.Medium voltage relays play a crucial role in controlling and protecting electrical systems in 48VDC vehicles. These relays enable the switching of higher voltage levels, making them well-suited for use in 48VDC systems. Key factors to consider for medium voltage relays in 48VDC systems include:
- Voltage and current ratings: Relays must be rated for the higher voltage and current levels found in 48VDC systems.
- Contact materials: The choice of contact materials can impact relay performance, particularly in terms of contact resistance and durability.
- Coil design: Relay coil design is crucial for ensuring reliable and energy-efficient operation.
Battery Desulfators reduces Co2 emission
Thanks to our OEM customers who chose to purchase Canadus battery desulfator unit to their heavy-duty vehicles, we have been able to reduce Co2 emission with 12 000 kg Co2 during the last year.
Battery Swapping – does it really work?
Battery Swapping could be an alternative refueling option, but would it really work for commercial vehicles? What are the benefits and what challanges the charging infrastructur faces?
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