Can an AC (alternating current) electrical system replace thepresent DC system in the automobile? An investigative feasibility study.I. System architecture

摘要

In the aerospace industry, the 400-Hz AC system replaced the DCnsystem, and the latest trend in aerospace industry involves ancombination of mixed AC and DC electrical system applications. With morenand more equipment in the newer automobiles and a corresponding increasenin power requirement, it is anticipated that in the not too distantnfuture higher voltage and/or some different architecture will bennecessary in order to have an efficient electrical system. The questionnaddressed in this paper is whether an alternative single- or three-phasenAC electrical distribution and load system could replace the present DCnsystem and, if so, what kind of architecture should be used. In thisnpaper, first the electrical system architecture is described. Othernissues discussed include the comparison of relative cost and size issuesnarising due to: (1) additional DC-AC power electronic converternhardware; (2) changes in the wiring system; and (3) the use of inductionnmotors which can adequately handle the motor loads without any addednpower and/or control electronics at certain chosen frequency(ies). It isnshown that for a three-phase system there will be a net total saving.nThe benefits of the AC system are not just based on cost, but onnreliability and robustness as well. It seems that a replacement of thenpresent electrical system with a three-phase AC system could be anreasonable step toward alternative electrical system selections