Temperaturmessung in Hochspannungsumgebungen
Temperature Measurement in HV Environments
Temperature measurement is carried out on a wide variety of components in the development of hybrid and electric vehicles. Applications range from the battery, connectors and power electronics through to measurements performed on the electric motor. Many of the measuring points have high potentials and must be robust in terms of EMC and ESD creating the need for both, classic HV thermal measurement modules as well as innovative fiber-optic technology solutions.
Temperature measurement in high voltage environments is crucial for monitoring and controlling the temperature of various components, such as the battery pack, power electronics, and electric motor.
3 Methods for Temperature Measurement in EVs
- Thermocouples are commonly used temperature sensors in EVs due to their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. They can be placed in direct contact with the components to measure their temperature accurately.
- The Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) for example PT100 or PT1000 are another type of temperature sensor used in EVs. They offer high accuracy and stability, making them suitable for temperature measurements in critical components like the battery pack.
- The Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors can be used to measure temperature in high voltage environments by transmitting light through an optical fibre. The change in temperature affects the properties of the light, which can be measured and converted into temperature readings.
The biggest challenge is access to all the measuring points of the device under test. Often embedded sensors are required in the battery or in converters or in the area of liquid cooling. Many EV components, such as battery management systems (BMS) and power electronics, have built-in temperature sensors. These sensors provide direct temperature measurements and are integrated into the control systems for monitoring and thermal management. The same is true for the use case of liquid cooling systems that regulates the temperature of the high voltage components. These systems include temperature sensors that measure the coolant temperature, allowing for precise control of the component temperatures.
Predicting the temperature at certain inaccessible measuring points is difficult and requires a great deal of experience with regard to sensor selection and thermal transition behaviour.
It is important to ensure that temperature sensors used in EVs are designed to withstand the high voltage environment and are properly isolated to prevent electrical hazards. Regular calibration and maintenance of temperature measurement devices is also essential to ensure accurate readings and optimal performance of the EV components.
Temperature measurement in high voltage environments can be challenging due to the presence of electrical interference and the potential for electrical shock hazards. So, it is important to follow safety protocols and use appropriate protective equipment to minimize the risk of electrical shock.