Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1510154
mouser.com/te 23 TE Connectivity works with customers to proactively address these complex problems, leveraging its material science and contact physics expertise as well as employing active cooling and advanced power management techniques in creating innovative new solutions. Figure 3 illustrates some of the cooling opportunities along the high-power connectivity path. What is the safety impact of the higher power requirement for fast charging? Electricity has inherent safety risks. In addition to the electric shock that can be caused by higher voltages, the heat generated by resistance can cause burns, so temperature management becomes a key consideration. TE Connectivity provides safe, rigorously tested connectivity solutions that adhere to accepted electrical design standards. By integrating sensing (e.g., temperature, voltage, current) all along the current path, as well as providing controllable elements (e.g., contactors, relays, smart inlets, smart actuators), TE offers customers different levers they can use to intelligently manage and safely control the power path from beginning to end. Figure 3: Thermal modeling can be measured across the entire power distribution chain. (Source: TE Connectivity) Can in-vehicle battery connections handle the increased power? Battery technology development is a prime area of industry investment. Increasing the driving distance on a single charge means batteries with greater power density are needed. The challenge is how to maximize power per cubic centimeter while minimizing the package size and keeping costs under control. TE has developed high-voltage, physically compliant battery module contacts and connection interfaces that enable battery pack scalability. They are robust, harsh environment interconnects with integrated voltage and temperature sensing, enabling smart control of battery management (state-of-charge and state-of-health). This enables customers to balance the active chemical mass versus the mechanical overhead of the battery system. Is fast, high-power or megawatt charging a panacea for all drivers? Not necessarily. High-power charging is great for long-distance travelers and "streetlamp" parkers who might not have access to overnight AC charging at their homes. Higher currents can stress vehicle components, including the battery's chemistry. There will always be a need for both slower AC and DC charging and fast, high-powered, and megawatt DC charging to address drivers' needs for comfortable long-distance travel and to keep their electrical systems efficient, well-maintained, and affordable.