Electrical power systems on future hybrid vehicles could be less expensive, lighter and more compact thanks to a new flexible DC-to-DC converter capable of handling multiple voltages simultaneously.rnThe technology is the result of work being conducted by a consortium led by research and development firm Prodrive.rnManchester University, Raytheon Systems, Scisys, International Transformers and Tata Motors European Technical centre are taking part in the three-year programme, which is being supported by investment from the Technology Strategy Board. A DC-to-DC converter is an electronic circuit that converts a source of direct current (DO from one voltage level to another. This is particularly important in hybrid and electric vehicles because the battery-cell voltage varies with state of charge.
展开▼
