UK (CU)_ – The sky rocketing energy prices in Britain has had many householders explore energy efficient options, from filling cavity walls with insulation to conserve energy to purchasing of wind turbines. The switch from gas cars to EVs has had certain drawbacks such as higher prices which is likely to be eliminated with increased consumption usually leading to lower prices. Another key stumbling block for EVs (Electric Vehicle) is the possibility of electrocution risk, which a new a study may help reduce.
Voltage and energy systems are far less in traditional cars in comparison to EVs hence to reduce the electrocution risk in a possible crash, the voltage needs to be rapidly bought down.
The high voltage of the DC ‘bus’ located in EVs retains high levels of power, which is delivered throughout the vehicle. In case of an EV crash the circuit breaker obstructs the link between the battery and boost converters.
Dr Yihua Hu, from the University of York’s School of Physics, Engineering, and Technology, pointed out that even though the circuit breaker disrupts the link to reduce power it doesn’t bring down the volume stored in the DC bus.
Dr Hu, further stated that the EV model has 400v, which is significantly greater than the residential voltage of approximately 230v and to lower the risk of fatal electrocutions during a crash the voltage needs to decrease to 60v or lower.
The study focused on developing a hybrid model of the DC bus, involving both the internal mechanisms within the EV and external pathways permitting safe passage of energy. The findings have indicated a method that absorbs remaining voltage in the event of a circuity damage, thus preventing energy accumulation and reducing the possibility of electrocution.
The team further indicated that in a crash or electrical disruption, the solution lies with an energy discharge algorithm which would continue to reduce power output and protect the circuity within the EV.
