As a global leader in the field of automation, OMRON’s business fields cover a broad spectrum, ranging from industrial automation and electronic components to social systems including automated ticket gates and solar power conditioners, healthcare.
In a In a recent interview, Abdullah interacted with Manoj Kodakkatery, Manager-Business Development, OMRON Device & Module Solutions, India, in which he discussed about latest innovations in power electronics, reliability and durability of power electronics components in extreme operating conditions, impact of your power electronics on the range and battery life of your electric vehicles, key challenges in integrating power electronics.
1. What are the latest innovations in power electronics that your company is integrating into its electric vehicles?
OMRON has been continuously striving to recognize the challenges and issues faced by engineers who are involved with the design aspect of the EVs. We have realized that most of them relate to safety, heat Management, compactness, and scalability. As an electronic component maker with a strong focus on provision of advanced Relays & Switches, we are trying to address all these issues by bringing in right capabilities and features in our products by using latest technologies like using Gasless relays ( low cost and scoring high on safety & scalability ) , power saving ( low coil power consumption of relays thereby managing the heat), reduced carbon footprint ( using ecofriendly methods of production) to name just a few.
2. How do you ensure the reliability and durability of power electronics components in extreme operating conditions?
Unlike other component suppliers, our focus is not to provide industrial grade components for automotive applications. All our products for automotive applications go through a rigorous testing process during production and use higher grade materials to meet the extreme climatic conditions. Our internal quality compliance criteria are more stringent compared to the actual certification requirements. Thus, all automotive applications follow a strict guideline to ensure the right understanding of the application and suitability of the product internally prior to sample submissions.
3. What is the impact of your power electronics on the range and battery life of your electric vehicles?
Power Electronics play an important role in enhancing the energy efficiency of the Batter y management System of the EVs. For example, Relays, when deployed in the BMS( Battery Management System) of the EV, come equipped with technologies like low power consumption, low heat emission, etc. This plays a significant role in enhancing the range and battery life of the EV.
4. What are the key challenges in integrating power electronics into the compact design of modern electric vehicles?
Since EV is an evolving and new market, standardisation and inter-operability criteria are not yet very clear. Each company have their own methods for design. When vehicles are getting compact, some of the key technical challenges the components suppliers face are heat, weight & efficiency management.
5. How does your company address the thermal management issues associated with high-power electronics in EVs?
Relays being one of the key components carrying & switching high current, there is a high possibility of heat emission. OMRON uses low power technology in manufacturing coils, advanced material technology for ultra-low resistance contacts, and advanced structural technology for thermal management in the relays.
7. What role do power electronics play in improving the overall sustainability of your electric vehicles?
I feel power electronics plays a very important role in ensuring the performance and efficiency of the battery that has a major impact on the sustainability of an EV. Major challenges faced by EVs are charging time and the range anxiety. To address this, with the evolution of battery technology, power electronics needs to match pace and must evolve to manage higher current and higher voltage with less heat emission.
8. How do you plan to stay ahead of industry trends and advancements in power electronics?
OMRON leads in technology innovation with:
- Plasma arc simulation for rapid product development.
- AI to predict product lifespan in various conditions.
- Simulation for dynamic motion prediction in relays.
We consistently integrate new technologies to stay ahead and deliver cutting-edge products.
Click Here to get the latest EV news and exclusive updates from EV Mechanica on WhatsApp!