Latest inverters right match for EVs

Parker Hannifin has launched its latest Global Vehicle Inverter (GVI) low and high-voltage series drives. “Offering a compact, yet rugged, design, these reliable inverters are intended to meet the high-performance requirements of on-road commercial and off-road electric/hybrid electric vehicles,” it states.

"The drives can also be used in non-traction applications, such as electro-hydraulic actuators/pumps for medium and high-power cylinders found in aerial lifts, construction equipment, material handling systems, refuse trucks, wheel loaders, excavators and mining machinery.

Low-voltage GVI motor controllers are available in 24V, 48V, 80V and 96V (nominal) variants, with 230A to 700A peak current. High-voltage 650V (nominal) variants meanwhile, offer – 320A to 500A.

Power density and efficiency

“GVI drives have been tuned to provide a perfect match for the Parker Global Vehicle Motor (GVM) series of permanent magnet (PMAC) motors to deliver outstanding power density and high efficiency. Optional preconfigured and validated combinations of the GVI and GVM provide customers with fully integrated solutions to enhance ease-of-use, reduce development effort and ensure compatibility,” adds the provider of motion and control technologies.

Parker’s high-specification GVM motors can deliver continuous power up to 228 kW, peak torque up to 1430 Nm and rotational speeds as high as 9800 rpm. Further features of the new drives include standard CANopen and J1939 protocols for reliable in-vehicle communication, while prototype cable assemblies can be supplied in fixed lengths.

Half the weight and footprint

“The combination of these cutting-edge mobile inverters, packaged with high-performance mobile motors, makes for a seamless design and user experience that can put customers ahead of their competition and accelerate time-to-market, while also optimising reliability. At 50% less weight versus competing solutions, the motors aid vehicle fuel efficiency, while, with up to a 50% smaller footprint, GVM motors facilitate easier integration in space constrained designs.

“Up to 40% less energy consumption supports extended battery life – or smaller battery sizes – in both EV and HEV platforms. Access to Parker’s cross-technology (electromechanical/hydraulic) applications expertise is a further customer benefit.”