Written by Duncan Nicol, Sales & Marketing Manager- Device Connections
Solutions from the PCB to the field
Designing solutions with power electronics comes with many challenges including how to route the power from within the device to the outside world. Safety, heat loss, component size and conductor management are just some of the challenges to consider.
Voltage is a key factor in managing some of the challenges. In the example of a step-up transformer, when the voltage increases, the current decreases but the power remains the same. The important factor here is that for the same power output the conductor size can be reduced if the voltage is increased, reducing losses in the process.
There is an emerging trend for higher voltage systems. In the electric vehicle market for example, some manufacturers are increasing the internal voltage of the power system from 400V to 800V, increasing efficiencies and reducing the size and weight of conductors.
When it comes to device connectivity, voltage is a key attribute when designing a system. From an internal PCB perspective, increasing the creepage distance between poles can facilitate transmitting higher voltage onto the PCB, offering clear advantages in reducing power losses and minimising the PCB footprint needed.
When connecting several devices together, the conventional approach would be to use costly busbars, but again by taking advantage of higher voltages, the cross section of copper cables can be reduced and result in a more flexible connection system.
Battery storage is an example of larger power system where new solutions are being developed to help balance a grid that is becoming more dependent on unpredictable renewable energy. In such systems, installation and maintenance costs become more significant and so the connection solutions need to reflect this. By designing solutions that take advantage of higher transmission voltages, a more flexible and safe connection system can be implemented.
Power connectivity is evolving as we transition to an All Electric Society and new innovations is connection technology is helping to power the revolution.
For more information contact Duncan on 07799 072059, email dnicol@phoenixcontact.com or see more information on our solutions on our website.
