Power management company Eaton has announced that its e-mobility business has secured a contract to supply power distribution units (PDUs) and Bussmann series to a global vehicle manufacturer for use in a new battery electric (BEV) light-duty commercial vehicle
PDUs, also known as junction boxes or fuse boxes, connects the main battery power to the rest of the vehicle, similar to how a home service panel connects the main power source to each of the branch circuits in the house. While distributing power through the vehicle, the PDUs deliver a safety function by providing circuit protection.
Kevin Calzada, global product strategy manager, Power Distribution and Protection, Eaton?s e-mobility business, said, ?Eaton?s extensive experience and application of fuse and circuit protection technology allowed for PDU integration at levels others could not match. Eaton was able to secure this program through technical agility in the PDU feature design and assuring high reliability in the system.?
Eaton?s e-mobility team leveraged its extensive electrical expertise to design a functional and cost-effective product to meet the stringent circuit protection requirements of the vehicle. The PDUs also went through rigorous testing to ensure long-term reliability.
The OEM also required the PDUs to offer multiple levels of safety. Eaton?s PDUs have a unique design regarding access to the box to ensure safe repair and service. Eaton units also feature a test port that allows for an electrical meter to be used as a probe to contact miniature circuit boards that signal if the unit is still charged, preventing the technician from contacting high voltage.
Eaton?s e-mobility business was formed by combining products, expertise and global manufacturing capabilities from Eaton?s Electrical and Vehicle Groups. Eaton plans to further develop new products and technologies, including smart diagnostics, intelligent power electronics and predictive health monitoring systems, to strengthen its global capabilities and deliver intelligent electrification solutions to passenger car, commercial vehicle and off-highway customers.
