In the pursuit of global electrification, the role of integrated current sensors (ICSs) in the e-mobility sector, particularly in two- and three-wheel vehicles, takes center stage. As the transport industry shifts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained significant attention.
However, it’s crucial not to overlook the burgeoning demand for electrifying light e-mobility, especially in Southeast Asia, India, China, and soon Africa, where two-wheel transportation dominates.
The light mobility sector, encompassing electric two- and three-wheelers, is witnessing a rapid electrification surge. With an estimated 70 million two-wheelers on the road, this sector is expanding faster than traditional four-wheelers. Certification and design complexities are minimized, making it an attractive space for startups addressing electric mobility challenges.
Projected figures suggest that by 2030, e-scooters and motorbikes will constitute 68% of the two-wheeler market. This growth is propelled by advancements in integrated current sensors (ICSs), which LEM positions at the epicenter of the e-mobility market. ICSs seamlessly integrate precision, reliability, and high-power density, offering a cost-effective solution for the sector’s voltage and current diversity.
Power Conversion Precision
In the realm of power conversion, ICSs play a pivotal role, ensuring efficiency and control in transforming AC power from the grid into DC for the vehicle’s Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery. This critical function is enhanced by LEM’s GO sensors, offering optimal isolation suitable for varying grid voltages. These sensors are integral components in guaranteeing a smooth and reliable conversion process.
BMS Safeguards
The second critical area for ic sensors is within Battery Management Systems (BMS), acting as guardians against battery damage and catastrophic events. By diligently monitoring rush or surge currents, ICSs swiftly instruct the microcontroller to open the relay, preventing any further energy flow through the battery. This double redundancy, working seamlessly alongside a shunt, ensures fail-safe measurements, thereby enhancing the overall safety and longevity of the battery.
Efficient Motor Control
In the domain of motor control, where DC current from the battery metamorphoses into three-phase AC current, integrated current sensors contribute significantly to smooth acceleration and peak operational efficiency. Four sensors, operating at both the input and output stages, are directly soldered onto the PCB, optimizing space utilization. LEM’s HMSR SMS family of ICSs, featuring a large primary conductor with low electrical resistance and immunity to external fields, emerges as the ideal choice for these applications. The microcontroller, orchestrating the management of transistor gate drivers based on signals from current sensors, establishes a highly efficient control loop, delivering a superior driving experience to end-users.
In conclusion, ICSs in electric two- and three-wheelers offer superior performance in a compact, cost-effective package, addressing power density challenges in light mobility applications. As the global electrification of two- and three-wheel vehicles gains momentum, LEM’s expanding portfolio of ICSs, driven by precision, reliability, integration, and power density, will play a pivotal role in driving growth within the sector.
