ampEMU: A Combined Solution with DC-DC, OBC, PDU, EVCC, and BMS: All-In-One
Areg Parlakyan
Mechanical Engineering Manager
Sustainability is the driving force behind the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as an advanced mode of transportation. A strong energy management system (EMS) is necessary to fully utilize these vehicles’ potential. The range can be increased, and the charging times can also be reduced with robust energy management systems. This blog illustrates the power of the ampEMU (AMP Energy Management Unit) as a revolutionizing solution that pushes the efficiency of electric vehicles to new heights. ampEMU brings all the essential components of an electric vehicle’s energy management system seamlessly integrated into a single, compact unit. It’s a game-changer that streamlines power management, paving the way for unrivaled performance and a greener future.
The ampEMU, or the AMP Energy Management Unit, combines a DC-DC converter, On-Board Charger (OBC), Power Distribution Unit (PDU), and a charge controller for EV into a single, compact unit. This integration simplifies power management and brings forth several key benefits, including enhanced efficiency, optimized energy usage, and overall performance improvement.
Key Features of the ampEMU
Compact and Lightweight Design:
The ampEMU utilizes the latest SiC technology, significantly reducing the volume of power electronics packaging. This compact and lightweight unit not only saves space but also reduces the overall weight of the vehicle, thus improving its range.
Compliance with Charging Standards:
The ampEMU complies with various charging standards, including the North American Charging Standard (NACS) by Tesla, Combined Charging System (CCS), and CHAdeMO. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of EV models and charging infrastructure setups.
Connected Cloud Analytics:
When combined with AMP’s cloud-hosted ampLOGIC platform, the ampEMU offers advanced data analysis capabilities. This enables vehicle degradation prevention, performance optimization, and overall system efficiency improvement.
ASIL C Safety Rating:
Safety is paramount in electric vehicles. The ampEMU is rated ASIL C for safety, featuring exceptional fault tolerance and redundancy. This ensures a high level of resilience and protects against potential risks such as electric shock and fire.
HVIL Protection:
The high voltage interlock loop protection feature of the ampEMU safeguards against electric shock and fire hazards. It ensures compliance with safety standards and provides an additional layer of protection for the EV battery.
AUTOSAR Architecture:
The ampEMU adopts the standardized AUTOSAR software architecture, which enables scalability, flexibility, improved quality, and reduced complexity. This standardized approach streamlines development and integration processes, ensuring seamless compatibility with existing vehicle infrastructure.
Highly Customizable:
The ampEMU offers advanced customization capabilities, allowing the system to be tailored to specific needs. It integrates seamlessly with various EV applications and infrastructure setups, making it a versatile and adaptable energy management solution.
Benefits Offered by ampEMU
Seamless Charging:
With the ampEMU, experience smoother and more reliable electric vehicle charging experiences. The unit manages the charging process from start to stop, providing a complete and reliable charging management system. Its proven interoperability guarantees compatibility with various charging infrastructure setups, making it adaptable to different electric vehicle applications, including cars, buses, trucks, marine, heavy-duty, construction, material handling, and more. It supports both AC and DC charging, compatible with all the leading charging standards in the industry.
The ampEMU excels in maximizing energy efficiency through its intelligent power management features. It employs efficient power conversion and distribution mechanisms that minimize energy losses, enabling optimal energy utilization. This results in extended battery life, reduced charging costs, and an overall improvement in the efficiency of electric vehicles.
Installation and Compatibility:
When it comes to adopting new technologies, ease of installation and compatibility are crucial factors to consider. The ampEMU not only excels in performance but also offers a seamless integration process, making it a hassle-free solution for electric vehicle owners and manufacturers. The ampEMU also operates with various charging standards such as the North American Charging Standard (NACS) by Tesla, Combined Charging System (CCS), and CHAdeMO.
The installation process is convenient and whether during Level 1, Level 1, or Level 3 DC Fast Charge, it is essential to terminate the charge to avoid potential safety hazards. With the ampEMU’s integrated EVCC (Electric Vehicle Communication Controller), the charge can be gracefully terminated. This ensures that there is no unnecessary stress on relays or contactors, preserving their longevity and minimizing the risk of equipment damage.
Extremely Safe:
The ampEMU also addresses potential faults that may occur during DC charging. For example, if contractors overheat or experience a failure, the ampEMU swiftly terminates the charge and opens the contactors. By doing so, it minimizes the flow of current through the contactors before they are opened, reducing the risk of welds and prolonging the contactors’ lifespan. This proactive approach ensures the safety and reliability of the charging process, providing peace of mind to users.
The OBC (On-Board Charger) and the integrated EVCC of the ampEMU step in to prevent the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) from closing the relay. Alternatively, it can quickly request the EVSE to open its relays. This preventive measure safeguards the EVSE charging station from potential damage. For instance, if an internal short occurs in the OBC, the EVSE or supply circuit may experience fuse blowouts or breaker trips before the OBC fuse blows. By actively preventing such scenarios, the ampEMU ensures the longevity and reliability of the charging infrastructure.
Saves Cost:
The ampEMU’s installation process and compatibility extend beyond addressing potential faults. Its compact and lightweight design not only saves valuable space within the vehicle but also simplifies the overall installation process. With fewer boxes, cable harnesses, and mounting brackets to contend with, installing the ampEMU becomes streamlined and efficient. This reduction in components contributes to cost savings while enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle.
Gen1 and Gen 2 of the ampEMU
The ampEMU comes in two generations, each with its unique features and capabilities.
ampEMU 400 (Gen 1):
The first-generation Energy Management System integrates an onboard charger, DC fast charge, DC-DC converter, and power distribution features into a consolidated unit. With its simplified charging interface and integration with HV systems, the ampEMU 400 is a reliable and efficient solution for electric vehicle applications.
ampEMU 800 (Gen 2):
The second-generation Energy Management System combines the ampEMU 400 with Battery Management System (BMS) and cloud connectivity through ampLOGIC. This integration creates the world’s first-ever Cloud Connected Energy Management System, known as the AMP EMS. The ampEMU 800 offers advanced features and connectivity options, further enhancing the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles.
Click here to learn more about ampEMU or to get in touch with AMP experts.
Future Developments and Upgrades
As part of its commitment to ongoing product development and improvement, AMP is planning for the second generation of the ampEMU to be readily available by Q2 2024. The Gen 2 ampEMU will feature a compact and lightweight design, supporting various charging standards and interoperability with different current and voltage requirements. Notably, the Gen 2 ampEMU will introduce bi-directional charging features, enabling Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities over both AC and DC connections, fully complying with ISO 15118-20.
Conclusion
The ampEMU is not just a product; it’s a statement of our commitment to ongoing development and improvement in the electric vehicle industry. As technology continues to evolve, AMP remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, exploring new features, and advancing the capabilities of the ampEMU to meet the ever-growing demands of the market.
ABOUT AMP
With its perfect blend of software and hardware, AMP is revolutionizing electrification. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Detroit, Bengaluru, and Shanghai, AMP is a global leader in energy management solutions for e-mobility. Since 2017, AMP has advanced battery management technology, through industry-leading software and hardware. AMP continues to push mobility further from intelligent battery management platforms to robust fast-charging systems and complete cloud solutions for e-mobility.
To learn more, visit AMP at www.amp.tech and follow on LinkedIn@amp-energy-management.