Ally Winning, European Editor, PSD
Welcome to the December edition of Power Systems Design. It is the final magazine in what has been a bit of a roller coaster year to say the least. Part of that is due to the expected take up of EVs dropping off quite considerably in Europe and the US. However, there are many other factors, especially political ones, that have caused a year that started off quite optimistically to turn out to be full of uncertainties. Unpredictability has replaced stability in global markets and led to companies spending a lot of time and money trying to secure supply chains. However, there are bright spots - renewable energy installations are accelerating, and there are a host of new data centres being planned and built. Power electronics are going to be key to these areas, so hopefully, the industry will avoid the majority of any further disruption and continue to prosper.
Although EV sales were disappointing last year, the automotive market could turn around very quickly. There are deadlines looming in most of Europe for the switchover to EVs, which should help lift the industry. Innovation can also help boost sales by providing EVs with longer ranges, longer battery lifetimes and quicker charging. That innovation is ongoing, and it is the subject of this month’s Special Report. The first article in the Automotive and Transportation section was submitted by Dukosi. The Edinburgh-based company have developed a method of monitoring batteries at the cell level using contactless technology that can identify batteries that are not performing as they should and give real time information about their health. The article explains how that level of monitoring is necessary to meet the new EU Battery Regulation that will come into force at the start of next year.
The next article in the Special Report comes from Recom, and it goes into uses for bidirectional power supplies. EVs and renewable energy have changed the electrical grid completely, from a system that flows in a single direction, to a more distributed architecture, with domestic solar generation also feeding the grid. That is now evolving to EVs acting as a domestic battery, charging from solar panels, or the grid while the energy costs are low, and feeding back into the grid at peak times. In the article, Recom’s author explains the features of power supplies needed for this type of application.
The final article in this month Special Report comes from STMicroelectronics and it looks at how new automotive zonal architectures can be powered. Almost every automotive manufacturer is moving towards a zonal architecture for new vehicles, and they will need more complex and stable power sources. The article suggests a way this can be addressed.
As well as the articles in the Special Report, the magazine will also feature other articles of interest to power electronics industry professionals in our Tech Focus section, as well as the latest news and views from the industry. Have a great break from all of us here at PSD and I hope to see you all again next year.
Best Regards,
Ally Winning
European Editor, PSD
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