BorgWarner now has an onboard battery charger (OBC)
BorgWarner recently introduces its Onboard Battery Charger (OBC), making its family of technologies for plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles even larger. This technology uses new silicon carbide technology and focuses on power density, power conversion efficiency and safety compliance. Ready to serve hybrid and electric vehicles The OBC is installed in hybrid or electric vehicles […]
BorgWarner recently introduces its Onboard Battery Charger (OBC), making its family of technologies for plug-in hybrid and pure-electric vehicles even larger. This technology uses new silicon carbide technology and focuses on power density, power conversion efficiency and safety compliance.
Ready to serve hybrid and electric vehicles
The OBC is installed in hybrid or electric vehicles to convert alternating current (AC) from the power grid to direct current (DC) for charging batteries. This technology accepts an extended range of AC inputs including 7.4 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW power ratings with DC-to-DC converter rating integration from 2.3 kW to 3.6 kW as an option. Most importantly, it is compatible with all battery chemistries and voltages of 400 volts, 650 volts and 800 volts.
Joel Wiegert, President and General Manager, BorgWarner Morse Systems, said: «Our technical center in Lugo, Italy, is dedicated to designing onboard battery chargers that are uncompromisingly suitable for the global electric and hybrid vehicle markets. We are proud that our latest offering with its silicon carbide technology provides maximum power conversion efficiency, thus saving energy and delivering an extended range for vehicle manufacturers and their customers».
Different types of OBC with different features
BorgWarner OBCs have a wide range of charging powers and capabilities. The OBC with a rated charging power of 7.4 kW can also be used for charging powers of 1.8 kW, 3.3 kW and 6.6 kW and uses a single-phase supply from the power grid. The OBC with a rated charging power of 11 kW is more efficient with its three-phase grid supply and fast charging strategy, while the onboard charger rated at 22 kW is even more efficient with its three-phase supply and therefore much faster charging.
BorgWarner OBCs aim to meet the standards for use in different countries and regions, including the US, EU, Japan, and China. They also focus on isolation between main input and DC output, are waterproof and dustproof, have an ISO 26262 safety rating and are contained in a liquid-cooled IP6K96 enclosure.
For future applications, BorgWarner is targeting further advances in power density, charging power, efficiency, volume weight, power factor and the adjustment of safety levels to meet more national and regional standards.
