Battery powered high efficiency drive systems in practical applications

Abstract

Since about 30 years three-phase variable speed drives are the standard industrial solution when high reliability, high ingress protection of machine and especially high efficiency are required. Generally, these drives are powered from the grid due to their high power capability. Through Lithium-Ion rechargable batteries, electric variable speed drives for commercial vehicles as cars and trucks become feasible. These Lithium-Ion batteries are no more a completely constant voltage source but vary the voltage mainly dependent on state of charge by about plus and minus 15%. Power electronics for the drive have to cope with this and are strongly influenced by the type of motor, too. Power insertion comes from the grid by special chargers or in case of big mining trucks, by catenaries. Commercial battery powered drives are common between some kW up to 100 kW but are extended up to 800 kW in a heavy truck implementation study.