A programmable micro-converter could overcome the current limitations of high-voltage systems in electric vehicles and fundamentally change battery technology. This innovation from Mercedes-Benz is based on integrating the micro-converters directly into the battery cells so that each individual cell can be precisely controlled and the cells can communicate with each other.
To realise this, a power converter consisting of several micro-converters is connected directly to the battery cells. This allows the cells to be individually controlled and the output voltage of the entire system to be flexibly adjusted. According to current research results, a constant output voltage of 800 volts can be achieved – regardless of the state of charge (SoC) or the age of the cells (SoH). This means that the output voltage of the battery no longer depends on the number of cells connected in series, but only on the desired power and capacity.
This approach could not only increase the range of electric vehicles, but also improve the energy flow for bidirectional charging. It also opens up new possibilities for the modularisation of electric drives, which would make development and production more efficient and flexible. (oe)
