BMW 01 - Principles of Hybrid Technology

Table of Contents
Principles of Hybrid Technology
Subject Page
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
BMW EfficientDynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Definition of Hybrid Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Classification of Hybrids by Power Rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Micro Hybrids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Mild Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Full Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Classification by Drive-unit Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Serial Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Parallel Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Power-split Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Plug-in Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Driving Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Start/stop Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Pullaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Accelerating (boost function) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Steady Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Energy Storage Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Physical Principles of Chemical Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Initial Print Date: 10/09 Revision Date: 11/09

Table of Contents
Subject Page
Battery Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Lead Acid Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Nickel-cadmium Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Lithium-ion Battery (Li-ion battery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Double-layer Capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Electrical Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Magnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Electromagnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Magnetic Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Faraday's Law of Induction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Lorentz Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Electrical Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Direct-current Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Rotary-current (three-phase) Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Synchronous Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Principle of Synchronous Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Asynchronous Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Current Inverters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Rectifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Half-wave Rectifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Full-wave Rectifier Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Three-phase Full-wave Rectifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Inverters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
DC/DC Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
AC/AC Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Electromechanical Switch Contactor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Table of Contents
Subject Page
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
High Electric Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Electrical Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Electric Voltage as a Cause of Current Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Electrical Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Burns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Arc Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Preventing Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Safety Rule 1 - De-energize the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Safety Rule 2 - Secure the System (Lockout) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Safety Rule 3 - Ensure that the system is de-energized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Lithium-ion Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Electrical Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Engineered Safety Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Identification/labelling of High-voltage Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Protection Against Direct Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Protection Against Indirect Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Isolation Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
High-voltage Interlock Loop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Discharge of the High-voltage Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Galvanic Separation Between HV and LV System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Short-circuit Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Shutdown in the Event of an Accident . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
4
Model: Generic Hybrid Vehicles
After completion of this module you will be able to:
Understand the philosophy of BMW EfficientDynamics
Identify the different methods of classifying hybrids
Identify the components of a hybrid system
Explain the characteristic batteries used in high-voltage systems
Understand and explain the engineered safety elements of BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles
Explain the necessary three safety rules when working on a hybrid vehicle
Successfully de-energize a high-voltage system

Introduction
BMW EfficientDynamics But BMW EfficientDynamics is more than just high precision
injection, engine start/stop function, or brake energy recovery. In
BMW EfficientDynamics is the collective term used in communi- the long term, BMW EfficientDynamics also includes zero-emis-
cation to refer various technologies and innovations that interwork sions motoring with hydrogen fuel, and in the medium term BMW
to produce a combination of reduced pollutant emissions plus ActiveHybrid the combination of internal combustion engine and
high performance power and sheer driving pleasure. electric motors in the powertrain.
With BMW EfficientDynamics, BMW has assumed a global lead- The first production BMW ActiveHybrid models, the hybrid ver-
ership role in the race to implement measures to reduce fuel sions of the BMW X6 and the BMW 7-series, will have matured to
consumption and CO2 emissions. production status by late 2009. Consequently, BMW together
In the period since spring 2007, one-million-plus BMW new-car with Mercedes-Benz will rank as Europe's first automobile man-
owners have already benefited from these endeavours. At this ufacturers to commence hybridizing their model range in one year.
time the range consists of 23 models with CO2 emissions figures
of 140 g/km or lower: No other premium carmaker anywhere in
the world can produce comparable figures.
5
6
Principles of Hybrid Technology.

Introduction > Why BMW needs hybrid cars?
Note the reasons:
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Sting
2
Introduction > BMW EfficientDynamics strategy
Note the elements of BMW EfficientDynamics strategy:
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7
8

Introduction
In troduction > Defi
Definition
nition off h
hybrid
ybrid vvehicles
ehicles
Which off the following

g is a hybrid vehicle?
Definition of Hybrid Vehicles
This 1906 Griffon Sport was a hybrid, a bicycle fitted with an engine
The term hybrid is derived from the Greek and means of two differ- Why was the horse drawn carriage/buggy not considered a hybrid?
ent origins or of mixed origin. As used in the automotive industry,
the term refers to vehicles with two means of propulsion (utilising
energy from two different sources) and having two different energy
supplies.
What makes these vehicles so special is that the elements com-
bined in this way are established technological solutions in their
own right, and the combination of the two can be utilised to pro-
duce new and beneficial features.
In adopting the hybrid approach, virtually all carmakers have opted
In your own words, write down the definition of a hybrid.
for a combination of internal-combustion engine and electric motor
or motors drawing energy from a conventional fuel tank on the one
hand and a battery bank on the other.
BMW's hybrid strategy calls for hybrid technology only in circum-
stances in which the ratio of additional cost to savings are justified.
The launchpad is provided by the high-end models with big engines
like the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7,
because this is where the efficiency potential is largest.
9
10
Classification of Hybrids by Power Rating Mild Hybrid

Mild-hybrid systems typically use voltages higher than 42 V. Today,
What does BMW ActiveHybrid stand for and what distinguishes it some of these systems operate at voltages of 160 V or even higher.
from the hybrid offerings of our competitors? In principle, BMW The power of the electrical machine represented by the electric
ActiveHybrid refers to all hybrid-technology-related endeavours motor is in the 10 to 15 kW range. Mild-hybrid systems are gener-
undertaken by BMW to achieve even higher efficiency in this ally built around electrical machines that transform some of the
respect "Active" underscores the highly dynamic performance- kinetic energy in retardation/braking into electric energy that can be
motoring claim that will remain a keynote characteristic of all hybrid stored in batteries. Mild-hybrid systems usually implement a
BMW models to come. start/stop function with the electrical machine being used to restart
BMW ActiveHybrid also refers collectively to the three different the combustion engine when the latter is needed again after shut-
modes of hybridization, namely micro hybrid, mild hybrid and full ting down. The electrical machine of a mild-hybrid car is also used
hybrid. to some extent as a booster along with the combustion engine for
pullaway and acceleration. Some mild-hybrid systems cut off the
Micro Hybrids fuel supply to the combustion engine if the high-voltage accumula-
Micro-hybrids constitute the first level in the hybrid-car hierarchy. tor is adequately charged and the car is travelling at a steady speed
Micro-hybrid cars have a generator power of 2 to 3 kW and use up to about 50 km/h. Under these circumstances the car is pro-
conventional 12-V battery technology. Power and voltage are both pelled only by the electrical machine so as to economize on fuel.
comparatively low, imposing a natural limit on energy recovery dur-
ing braking and in the overrun phase. Full Hybrid
One of the characteristics of the full-hybrid concept that the vehicle
In a micro-hybrid car, the recovered electrical energy is fed into the can pull away from rest and drive without the combustion engine
vehicle's on-board 12 V electrical system. In some cases these turning over. Full-hybrid systems use high-voltage accumulators
systems also have a start/stop function with conventional starter or with voltages ranging from approximately 100 V to in some cases
integrated crankshaft starter generator. A drawback of the start/stop well in excess of 200 V. In a configuration of this nature the electric
functionality is that frequent run-ups mean accelerated wear of the motor is easily capable of overcoming inertia to set the car in
crankshaft, which has frictionless bearings and is designed for con- motion, and when sharp acceleration is called for the torque of the
stant rotation. Complexity, additional weight and costs for micro- combustion engine and that of the electric motor are used in paral-
hybrid cars are not beyond reason. All in all, however, the concept lel. This is the mode known as boost.
cannot justifiably be expected to return more than 10% savings in
energy. Strictly speaking micro-hybrid cars are not true hybrids at
all, since they have only one means of propulsion.
Principles and driving situations > Classification by power rating
Write the missing data.
Power of
Voltage range Possible functions Fuel savings
electric motor
Micro-hybrid 2 to 3 kW 12 V Less than 10%
Start/stop functions
Mild-hybrid Boost functions
Energy recovery
Full-hybrid More than 20%
11
12
Classification by Drive-unit Configuration Fully electric drives are similar to serial drives to some extent.
Instead of being inside the vehicle, however, the generator is exter-
In terms of drive-unit configuration, hybrid cars can be classified as nal. The battery is recharged from the public grid or a private
belonging to one of four groups: source to which the vehicle is connected while not in use.
Serial hybrid
Parallel hybrid
Power-split hybrid
Plug-in hybrid
Serial Hybrid
A serial-hybrid car has an electric motor and a combustion engine.
The characteristic of this concept is that only the electric motor
acts directly on the driven wheels.
The components in the powertrain are arranged one after the other
and this is why the configuration is termed serial. The combustion
engine drives an alternator that generates the energy for the electri-
cal propulsion unit and for charging the battery. The flow of electri-
cal energy is controlled by the power electronics.
The size of the alternator and the electric accumulator (the battery,
in other words) depends on the operating-mode and charging
strategy, range and performance. The need for an extra alternator
adds complexity to the design, but this is compensated to some
extent by the absence of a gearbox.
A serial-hybrid configuration offers a great deal of flexibility in terms
of the positioning of the individual components. The single most
telling drawback of the serial-hybrid concept is the double transfor-
mation of energy and the diminished efficiency this inherently
entails. Combustion engine and alternator both have to be
designed for maximum propulsive power. By comparison with par-
allel hybrids, the combustion engine is more powerful, but it there-
fore produces more emissions and has a higher fuel consumption.
Principles
Principles and driving
ng sit
situations
uations > Cla
Classification
ssific
cation b
by
y drive
drive unit configuration
configur
figuration
Draw in the components

components
nts of a serial-hybrid drive.
e. What are the features off a serial-hybrid drive:
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
dvantages:
Advantages:
_______________________
____________________________
______________________________________________
_______________________
____________________________
______________________________________________
Disadvantages:
_______________________________________________
___________
_____________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
___________
_____________
_____________________________
13
14
Parallel Hybrid
Unlike serial hybrids, parallel hybrid systems have both the com-
bustion engine and the electric motor mechanically connected to
the driven wheels.
The two propulsion systems can be used either separately or
together to propel the car. The introduction of force from the two
sources to the powertrain is parallel, hence the term 'parallel-hybrid
system'.
Both electric motor and combustion engine can be made smaller
and lighter, because the power of both is combined. Savings are
the net result, for example in terms of weight, fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions.
An option open to designers looking to maximize performance is
to install a full-size, full-power combustion engine and then utilise
the boost available from the electric motor. This approach can also
produce a reduction in fuel consumption.
The electric motor can also operate as a generator, which is why
the term "electrical machine" is more apt than "electric motor". In
overrun phases and when the vehicle brakes, the electrical
machine generates electricity which controlled by the power
electronics is stored in the high-voltage battery so that the car
can use less fuel. In terms of production outlay, a cost comparison
actually puts parallel hybrids ahead of mild hybrids.
Principles
ng sit
situations
uations > Cla
Classification
ssific
cation b
by
y drive
configur
figuration
Draw in the com

components
ponents
nts off a parallel-hybrid drive.
ive. What are the ffeatures
eatures off a parallel-hybrid drive:
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
dvantages:
Advantages:
_______________________
____________________________
______________________________________________
_______________________
____________________________
______________________________________________
Disadvantages:
_______________________________________________
___________
_____________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
___________
_____________
_____________________________
15
16
Power-split Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid

Power transmission can be either serial or parallel, so hybrid sys- Plug-in hybrids are another extended branch of hybrid technology.
tems of this nature are referred to as serial-parallel or power-split A plug-in configuration further reduces fuel consumption by having
systems. the electrical energy accumulator charged not only by the combus-
tion engine but also off the grid supply when the vehicle is not in
Various operating modes are possible and individual modes can use.
be engaged to suit driving conditions:
If the battery charge level is sufficient the vehicle can undertake
Combustion engine drives alternator (electrical machine 1) short journeys in zero-emission electrical mode, with the combus-
to charge the high-voltage battery bank. tion engine in reserve and needed only for lengthy trips or when
Combustion engine drives alternator (electrical machine 1). the battery is drained.
The electricity generated in this way is used to power electri- A plug-in hybrid always has a large-capacity battery bank so that
cal machine 2 (serial hybrid). more energy from the grid can be stored to make the vehicle less
Combustion engine is mechanically connected to the input reliant on the combustion engine and maximize the proportion of
shaft, as are the electrical machines. all-electric driving.
Both propulsion units drive the vehicle (parallel hybrid).
In this combined hybrid drive mode a coupling provides the means
of switching from one propulsion unit to the other. A vehicle with
power-split hybrid drive can be electrically powered up to a certain
speed.
The electronics also control the way in which the two propulsion
modes are combined to keep the combustion engine operating in
its most efficient range. The drawbacks of power-split hybrid drives
are the sophisticated electronics needed for drive control and the
high costs. Power-split systems are usually implemented as full-
hybrid configurations.
Principles
ng sit
situations
uations > Cla
Classification
ssific
cation b
by
y drive
configur
figuration
Draw in the com

components
ponents
nts off a power-split hybrid
d drive. What are the ffeatures
eatures off a power-split hybrid drive:
ve:
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
dvantages:
Advantages:
_______________________
__________________________
____________________________________________
_______________________
____________________________
______________________________________________
Disadvantages:
_______________________________________________
___________
_____________
_____________________________
_______________________________________________
___________
_____________
_____________________________
17
18
Driving Conditions the electric motors produce driving dynamics and acceleration sim-
ilar to those of a vehicle with a more powerful engine.
The driving conditions that can apply in the case of a full-hybrid
configuration are shown below. The corresponding driving condi- Steady Driving
tions for other hybrid vehicles can be derived by analogy from this The combustion engine and the electrical machine can both con-
summary. tribute to propulsion; the extent to which power is drawn from
either source depends on the vehicle's speed and the battery's
Start/stop Function state of charge at a given time.
When the vehicle is at a standstill with the combustion engine at its
operating temperature, for example because the traffic has been Combustion engines do not operate at maximum efficiency when
held up at traffic lights, the combustion engine is switched off. required to propel the vehicle at low to medium speeds. The elec-
trical machine, in contrast, is capable of delivering full torque at very
This means that the engine is not emitting CO2 and fuel consump- low rpm. If the high-voltage battery is adequately charged, the vehi-
tion is reduced. While the car is at a standstill the high-voltage bat- cle is driven solely on electrical energy. The combustion engine is
tery supplies power for climate control, vehicle lights etc. If the not switched on frequently unless the charge level of the high-volt-
charge state of the high-voltage battery is not sufficient to cover age battery is low: Under these circumstances some power is
these loads the combustion engine is started to charge the high- tapped from the engine to recharge the battery.
voltage battery off the electrical machine and provide enough elec-
trical energy to power the various consumers. When the brakes are A combustion engine can operate at maximum efficiency when the
applied on the approach to traffic lights, the combustion engine is car is being driven at a steady, relatively high speed. At this end of
switched off even before the car comes to a complete standstill the performance band the electrical machine would have to draw
(when the car slows to a certain defined speed). too much energy from the high-voltage battery. Consequently, the
combustion engine is the primary mover for driving under these
Pullaway conditions. If the high-voltage battery is in a low state of charge
The ability of the electric propulsion unit to deliver high torque at part of the power developed by the combustion engine is used to
low speed is utilized for pullaway from rest. The car accelerates recharge the battery through the electrical machine.
solely under electric power, with the electric motors drawing the
energy they need from the high-voltage battery. The combustion Braking
engine remains switched off (engine at operating temperature). The ability to utilize the energy that would otherwise be shed on
descents or wasted when the car is decelerating is one of the main
Accelerating (boost function) advantages of a hybrid drive.
When sharp acceleration is needed to lift the car away from rest at This mode is known as energy recuperation or more frequently
a junction, to overcome a steep gradient or to pass slower traffic, if energy recovery. Instead of being dissipated by conversion into
the high-voltage battery is sufficiently charged its power can be thermal energy at the wheel brakes, excess energy is converted
tapped and the additional force made available as kinetic energy into electrical energy by the electrical machine operating as a gen-
through the electrical machine. This is known as the boost func- erator, and stored in the high-voltage battery.
tion. Combining the power output of the combustion engine and
Principles and driving situations > Driving situations
What are the driving situations of a full-hybrid vehicle?
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________
19
20
Energy Storage Devices Physical Principles of Chemical Storage

Broadly speaking, a galvanic cell consists of the electrolyte, the bat-
The energy storage device stores accumulated energy so that it tery housing and of course the two electrodes. A separator through
will be available for use when needed at some subsequent point in which ions can pass but which holds back electrons forms an addi-
time. Energy is often converted from one form to another so that it tional insulating barrier between the electrodes. Chemical reactions
can be stored and it then has to be converted again when needed; that take place in the galvanic cell produce an electron excess at
this process of conversion is unavoidable in order to minimize loss- one electrode and an electron deficit at the other. Consequently,
es during stoppages. For example, chemical energy (fuel) is stored there is an electric potential - a voltage, in other words - between
in the fuel tank and subsequently converted into thermal and the two electrodes.
mechanical energy by the combustion engine.
As the battery discharges, therefore, the chemical reaction converts
Losses invariably occur in any process of energy storage or energy the energy stored in chemical form to change into electrical energy.
transformation. There are many kinds of energy-storage devices The reaction that supplies energy is known as discharge and con-
(mechanical, thermal, chemical, magnetic and electrostatic). sists of two sub-reactions (electrode reactions) which, although
Chemical and electrostatic storage devices are explained in more separate in space, are interlinked.
detail below, because these are the types of storage device most
frequently used as the secondary source of energy in modern The electrode at which the corresponding sub-reaction takes place
hybrid cars. at a lower ORP (oxygen-reduction potential) than the other elec-
trode is the negative electrode; the other is the positive electrode.
Basic structure of a galvanic cell As the cell discharges an oxidation process takes place at the neg-
ative electrode and electrons are released; at the same time at the
positive electrode the corresponding electrons are absorbed in
equal numbers by a reduction process. The electronic current flows
through an external consumer circuit from the negative to the posi-
tive electrode. Inside the cell the current is carried between the
electrodes by ions in the ion-conductive electrolyte (ion current),
and ion and electronic reactions in/at the electrodes are interlinked.
Galvanic cells are DC voltage sources. The name indicating the
type of galvanic cell is generally derived from the combination of
electrode materials. The chemical make-up of the electrolyte and
the electrode materials changes, depending on the charge state of
the cell. The type of material from which the electrodes are made
determines the rated voltage of the cell.
Index Explanation Index Explanation
What we generally term a "battery" usually consists of an array of
1 3
galvanic cells interconnected in such a way as to be usable as an
Negative electrode Separator
2 Electrolyte 4 Positive electrode energy source. Technically a AA battery is a galvanic cell.

System components > Energy storage devices
What is the difference between a galvanic cell and a battery?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Draw a circuit of gavanic cells for a higher voltage of Draw a circuit of gavanic cells for higher capacity of
battery. battery.
21
22
Capacity Imagine you are an engineer at the FIZ and are responsible for the
Connecting galvanic cells in parallel produces a battery with a high- development of batteries for hybrid vehicles.
er capacity. The voltage of the battery is equal to that of a single
Write several characteristics for the perfect hybrid-battery.
cell.
Capacity is the electrical charge stored in the battery. A battery's
capacity is stated in ampere-hours (Ah). The actual usable capacity
(the current that can be drawn from the battery, in other words)
depends on the conditions of discharge. An increase in discharge
current means a corresponding decrease in usable capacity.
Power
The power of a battery is stated in watts (W) and is the product of
discharge current and discharge voltage. It is not usual to state the
energy stored in a battery, but energy per unit of mass or unit of
volume is nonetheless an important parameter of battery systems.
Energy density is a measure of the distribution of energy over the
mass of a substance and is stated in watt-hours per kilogram The graph below shows the power density and the energy density
(Wh/kg). The energy density of the battery used in a hybrid car is of various devices capable of storing electrical energy.
crucial in terms of the range the vehicle is able to cover before the
battery has to be recharged. As the graph shows, double-layer capacitors manifest a very high
power density but a very low energy density by comparison with
The power density of a battery defines the battery's electrical other storage devices, so they are able to discharge a very high
power as a function of mass and is stated in watts per kilogram power over a short period of time.
(W/kg).
A comparison of nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride batteries
shows that both have about the same power density, but the nickel
metal hydride battery has almost twice the energy density. This in
turn means that of two batteries capable of storing the same
amount of energy, a nickel metal hydride battery would weigh only
half as much as a nickel-cadmium battery.
Translated into terms of range, a car with a nickel metal hydride
battery would be able to travel twice as far as a car fitted with a
nickel-cadmium battery of the same size.
System components > Energy storage devices
Energy Density and Power Density of a Battery

Imagine you are an engineer at the FIZ and you are resposible for the development of batteries for hybrid vehicles.
Write five features for the perfect hybrid-battery?
-_____________________________________
-_____________________________________
Index
Draw a diagram of the perfect hybrid-battery. Explanation
1
-_____________________________________
Double-layer capacitor
100.000
-_____________________________________
2 Lead-acid battery
3
10.000
-_____________________________________ Nickel-cadmium battery
Power density [W/kg]
4 Nickel metal hydride battery
5
1.000
Lithium-ion battery
x Energy density in Wh/kg
y Power density in W/kg

100
10
20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

Energy density [Wh/kg]
23
24
Battery Types The battery gives the impression of "remembering" the energy lev-
els it reached in previous discharge cycles. Instead of the original
nominal amount of energy, the battery outputs only this lower
Lead Acid Battery
amount of energy and the voltage drops.
The lead-acid battery is one of the oldest kind of battery systems
(lead acid batteries have been around since 1850), but even today Nickel Metal Hydride Battery
batteries of this kind supply electrical energy for millions of motor The nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH battery) is often considered
vehicles. Lead-acid batteries are commonly used as starter batter- the successor to the NiCd battery.
ies for the combustion engines of motor vehicles. Over a limited
period of time, batteries of this kind are also capable of supplying An NiMH battery cell has nominal voltage of 1.2 volts. The energy
power to on-board electrical consumers even when the combus- density of an NiMH battery is about 80 Wh/kg, so it is twice that of
tion engine is not running. an NiCd battery. NiMH batteries are virtually free of the memory
effect described above. They are capable of releasing their stored
The cells consist primarily of positive and negative electrodes and electrical energy within a very short time with no more than a negli-
the separators, plus the requisite structural components. Each cell gible tailing off in voltage level.
supplies a voltage of two volts. Six cells connected in series deliver
the battery voltage of 12 V. The energy density of a lead-acid bat- NiMH batteries are easily damaged by overcharging, total dis-
tery is typically in the order of 30 Wh/kg. charge, overheating and reversed polarity.
They are also sensitive to changes in temperature. As soon as
Nickel-cadmium Battery
ambient temperature dips close to the freezing point these batter-
Nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd) were first developed more than
ies evince a significant drop in capacity.
100 years ago and the technology is still in use today. An important
difference between lead-acid batteries and nickel-cadmium batter- The anode consists of a metal alloy that can reversibly store hydro-
ies is that in the latter the electrolyte remains unchanged through gen in its crystal lattice to form a metal hydride. The electrolyte is a
the charge/discharge cycle. The electrodes of a fully charged nickel 20% solution of potassium hydroxide, which also surrounds the
cadmium cell consist of plates charged with cadmium at the nega- nickel-hydroxide cathode.
tive terminal and nickel-hydroxide at the positive terminal. The elec-
As the battery discharges the hydrogen oxidizes; this chemical
trolyte is potassium hydroxide. This combination supplies a voltage
process produces a potential of 1.32 volts at the two electrodes. In
of 1.2 V. Energy density is comparable to that of a lead-acid battery.
order to prevent the metal from oxidizing instead of the hydrogen as
Cadmium is a heavy metal and is classified as an environmentally the battery approaches the end of its discharge cycle, the negative
hazardous substance and these batteries suffer from what is com- electrode is much larger than the positive electrode.
monly known as the memory effect - two reasons why NiCd batter-
ies have recently been supplanted by new battery systems. The
memory effect is the characteristic loss of capacity that occurs
when a nickel-cadmium battery is frequently recharged after being
only partly discharged.
System components > Energy storage devices > Battery types
What are the characteristics of the Nickel Metal
Hydride
What are Battery?
the features of a nickel metal hydride battery?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
25
26
Lithium-ion Battery (Li-ion battery) barrier to molecules in the electrolyte.

In the 1960s, researchers were starting to look at lithium batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have a low self-discharge rate and their effi-
with lithium-metal anodes and nonaqueous electrolytes. The non-
ciency is approximately 96%, due primarily to the high migration
rechargeable lithium batteries were initially used in space explo-
capability of lithium-ions. Efficiency is affected by temperature and
ration and for military purposes. Low self-discharge is a feature of
drops off sharply at low temperatures.
batteries of this kind and for this reason they are still used even
today in cardiac pacemakers, clocks and cameras. Rechargeable A conventional Lithium-ion cell supplies a nominal voltage of 3.6 V.
lithium batteries made their commercial breakthrough with the The tension of a Lithium-ion cell, therefore, is three times that of a
market launch of a cell that dispensed entirely with metallic lithium; nickel metal hydride battery. Total discharge to below 2.4 V causes
this was the Lithium-ion battery. irreversible damage and loss of capacity to the cell, so it is essential
to ensure that this threshold is not reached.
Today, Lithium-ion batteries are the preferred energy source for
portable devices with high energy demand (mobile phones, digital Specific power density is in the range from 300 to 1500 W/kg.
cameras, notebook computers, etc.). Their high energy density also Energy density is about twice that of a nickel-cadmium battery,
makes them attractive for use in electrically powered and hybrid about 95 to 190 Wh/kg.
vehicles. Additional benefits are the ability to supply a constant volt-
Lithium-ion batteries should not be discharged below 40%,
age across the entire discharge period cycle and the fact that they
because at lower levels significant loss of capacity can occur due to
do not suffer from a memory effect.
irreversible reactions in the electrodes. Another aspect is that the
Most Li-ion cells have a positive electrode made of lithium-metal higher the cell voltage, the more rapid the aging process in batter-
oxides built up in layers (e.g. LiCoO2 or LiNiO2). The negative elec- ies of this kind. Consequently, it is best to avoid keeping Lithium-
trode consists of layers of graphite. The two electrodes are in a ion batteries constantly 100% charged. The optimum state of
nonaqueous electrolyte. There is a separator between the two charge is in the range between 50% and 80%.
electrodes.
Mechanical damage can short the cell. The high current level
The Lithium-ion cells generate a source voltage by the movement would melt the casing and cause the cell to catch fire. Li-ion batter-
of lithium-ions. When the cell is charging, positive lithium-ions ies should not be immersed in water. Lithium-ion cells manifest a
migrate through the electrolyte from the anode and insert them- severe reaction to water, particularly when they are fully charged. If
selves into the graphite layers of the cathode. The lithium-ions a battery of this kind catches fire it is important not to attempt to
combine with the graphite (carbon) without destroying the extinguish it with water: smother the fire with an inert substance
graphite's molecular structure. As the cell discharges the lithium- such as sand, for example.
ions extract from the graphite and move back to the metal oxide
Each battery is an array consisting of many individual cells, so each
and the electrons can flow through the external circuit to the posi-
cell has to be individually monitored. This is precisely what the bat-
tive electrode. The lithium-ions cannot combine with the graphite
tery management system is designed to do. This system ensures
of the cathode in the process known as intercalation unless the
that the individual cells are not overcharged and not discharged too
negative electrode has a protective coating through which the
severely, and it also balances charge over individual cells, if neces-
small lithium-ions can pass, but that constitutes an impermeable
sary.
System components > Energy storage devices > Battery types
What What
are the
arecharacteristics of the ion
the features of a lithium Lithium-ion
battery? battery?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Index Explanation
_______________________________________________
1 Positive electrode
2 Housing with electrolyte _______________________________________________
3 Lithium-metal oxide
_______________________________________________
4 Separator
5 Graphite layer _______________________________________________
6 Negative electrode
7 Lithium-ion
27
28
Double-layer Capacitors The capacity of double-layer capacitors is in the range from 1 to 50

farads and dielectric strength is about 2.5 V. As is the case with
The principle of the double-layer capacitor was discovered in 1856 chemical accumulators, capacity and operating voltage can be
by German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz. He described the increased by connecting multiple capacitors in series or in parallel.
make-up of double layers of charge carriers forming on electrodes
contained in an electrolyte when a voltage is applied from an exter- Summary
nal source. Today's double-layer capacitors are marketed under
many different names (the names vary from manufacturer to manu- As we have seen, the galvanic cell is the heart of any useful ener-
facturer), including for example; Goldcaps, Supercaps, Boost Caps gy-storage system. Consequently, selecting a cell of suitable type
and Ultracaps. is of crucial importance in terms of the system's ability to store and
provide energy. The table below is an overview of the properties of
A double-layer capacitor is an electrostatic energy storage device the mainstream electrical energy-storage devices.
for electrical energy with a very high power density of up to 10
kW/kg, but an energy density of about 5 Wh/kg, which is low by If voltage and/or capacity of the cell is not sufficient for a given
comparison with chemical storage devices. The advantages of a application, multiple cells can be connected in series or in parallel,
double-layer capacitor are its very high efficiency (approaching respectively.
100%), its low self-discharge rate and its durability. These devices,
moreover, are completely free of the memory effect. The inherently Cell Power Energy Operating
Memory Temperature
Device Voltage Density Density
low energy density renders double-layer capacitors unsuitable for (V) (W/kg) (Wh/kg) Effect (C)
use as sole energy accumulators for vehicle propulsion, but in com-
Lead Acid 5
bination with chemical storage devices the weight savings are con-
2 30 - Up to 45
siderable and an additional benefit is that the chemical accumula- NiCd 1.2 6 40 Yes Up to 65
tors have an extended service life.
NiMH 1.2 7 80 Low Up to 60
Capacity depends on the thickness of the insulating layer and the
Li-ion 8
surface area of the electrodes. 3.6 95 - 190 No Up to 50
The high power density of double-layer capacitors is due to the Double Layer 2.3 - 2.7 9 5 No Up to 65
Capacitor
very thin insulating layer and the large surface area of the elec-
trodes. Activated carbon is used to produce electrodes with this
very large surface area. Activated carbon is fine-grade carbon with
a very large inner surface (300 to 3000 m2/g). 4 grams of activated
carbon aggregate to an inner surface is roughly equal to the sur-
face area of a football field. The insulating layer is only a few
nanometers thick.
System components > Energy storage devices > Double-layer capacitors
Index Explanation
What are the features of double-layer capcitors?
A Double-layer capacitor is discharged

_______________________________________________
B Double-layer capacitor is charged

_______________________________________________
1 Voltage source
2
_______________________________________________
Switch
3 Insulating charge-carrier layer

_______________________________________________
4 Insulating charge-carrier layer

_______________________________________________
5 Negative electrode
6
_______________________________________________
Negative charge carriers
7 Electrolyte
_______________________________________________
8 Separator
_______________________________________________
9 Positive charge carriers
_______________________________________________
10 Positive electrode
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
29
30
Electrical Principles Electromagnet

A coil carrying an electric current generates a magnetic field very
similar to that of a bar magnet. Consequently, it can be used as an
Magnet
electromagnet. Unlike the magnetism of a permanent magnet, this
A permanent magnet (a magnet made from what is termed a mag-
magnetism can be switched on and off, because it occurs only
netically "hard" material) is usually made of an alloy primarily of iron
while current is flowing through the coil.
and often containing cobalt or nickel. It is magnetized in the
process of production and it retains this magnetism permanently, In direct current motors with electric excitation such as series-
hence the name. Permanent magnets are used for a wide variety of wound or shunt-wound motors, electromagnets are used to gener-
purposes, including that of generating energizing fields in fraction- ate the magnetic field in the stator. Electromagnets are also used
al-horsepower electric motors. for the coils in relays.
A Opposite magnetic poles are mutually attractive Magnetic flux
B Like magnetic poles repel I Current through coil

Magnetic Field Faraday's Law of Induction
A magnetic field can be generated with the aid of a permanent Electromagnetic induction was discovered in 1831 by Michael
magnet or an electromagnet. The magnetic fields can be visualized Faraday. Electromagnetic induction is one of the basic phenomena
as magnetic field lines running from the magnet's north pole to its of electrophysics. Faraday's law of induction describes a relation-
south pole. The stronger the magnetic field, the more densely ship between magnetic fields and electrical voltages and is crucial
packed are the magnetic field lines in the diagram. to our understanding of how electrical machines work.
The law of induction states that a Uind will be induced by the
reversing magnetic flux flowing through a coil with the number of
turns N. This relationship can be expressed as: Uind = N /dt.
Even in a magnetic field without a time rate of change a voltage is
induced in the coil if the coil itself is moved inside the magnetic
field. Induction is utilised primarily in electrical machines such as
generators, electric motors and transformers. The direction of flux
of the induced voltage can be determined by application of Lenz's
law: the direction of flux of the induced current is always in such a
direction as to oppose the motion or change causing it.
If the current flowing through the coil changes in intensity, its mag-
netic field also changes and induces in the coil a voltage that is
opposite the change in current direction causing it. This is general-
ly termed self-induction. The faster the magnetic field changes and
the stronger the changes, the higher is the resultant induction volt-
age.
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Lorentz Force Lorentz force acting on an electron

The force known to physics as the Lorentz force is the force that a
magnetic field exercises on a moved electrical charge. A force F
acts on the electrons in the conductor, causing the entire conduc-
tor to move in one direction. The orientation of the vectoring force
can be determined by the "right-hand rule" or by the principle of
cause/agent/effect. Applied to the graphic above, this means:
Cause = current > agent = magnetic field > effect = force on
electrons
Fill in the rest of the labels in the diagram to the right:
Index Explanation
1 Electron
B Magnetic flux direction
F Force acting on an electron
I Electric current
F Force acting on an electron
N North pole
S South pole
Transformers Structure of a transformer
A transformer consists of two coils around a common iron core.
There is no conductive connection between the two coils, in other
words they are galvanically insulated from each other.
If an alternating current is applied to one of the coils, the law of
induction requires that an alternating current will be induced in the
second coil. A voltage can then be measured between the ends of
the second coil. The strength of the induced voltage depends on
the primary voltage and the number of turns in the two coils.
U1/U2 = N1/N2
If the primary and secondary coils have the same number of turns,
secondary voltage U2 will be equal to primary voltage U1. If the
secondary coil has twice as many turns as the primary coil, the sec-
ondary voltage will be twice the primary voltage. A load connected
to the secondary coil draws energy from the circuit that has to be Index Explanation
made up for on the primary side. In an ideal (imaginary) transformer,
1 Primary coil with number of turns N1
the energy input on the primary side is equal to the energy tapped
on the secondary side, in other words an ideal transformer is loss- 2 Secondary coil with number of turns N2
free. The currents I1 and I2 are inversely proportional to the volt-
3
ages, because in this ideal transformer power is equal on the pri-
Magnetic flux
mary and secondary sides. 4 Iron core
U1 (I1) = U2 (I2)
Given the following values, calculate the voltage and current of the
Ideal transformers, however, do not exist in the real world, because second coil.
losses always occur. Every transformer, therefore, outputs less elec-
N1 = 80 number of turns
trical energy than it receives. The losses in electrical energy are
partly the result of heat generated in the coils on account of electri- U1 = 40 Volts
cal resistance and partly the result of what are known as eddy cur-
I1 = .5 Amps
rents. The eddy currents can be minimized by using a transformer
core made up of a large number of thin iron sheets instead of a N2 = 20 number of turns
solid-iron core. These sheets of iron are insulated by a lacquer
U2 = __________ Volts
coating and this arrangement interrupts the flux of eddy currents.
I2 = ___________ Amps
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Electrical Machines Direct-current Machines

Direct-current machines were the earliest electromechanical con-
Electrical machines are devices capable of converting electrical verters, primarily because of historic development and the availabili-
energy into mechanical movement and mechanical movement into ty of electrical energy in the form of direct current from galvanic
electrical energy. Depending on how the energy is transformed, we cells.
talk about electric motors (electrical to mechanical), or generators
(mechanical to electrical). All electrical machines make use of the The first direct-current machine was built in about 1830. The intro-
fact that like magnetic poles repel and opposite magnetic poles duction of rotary current (three phase current) in 1890 or there-
attract. abouts meant that the DC machine was ultimately supplanted by
the synchronous machine. Even today, however, direct-current
At least one of the magnetic fields is produced by an electric cur- machine designs are still with us and are used in a very wide range
rent. Electrical machines can also be classified by type of current, of applications. Direct-current motors with rating up to about 100
for example direct current (DC), alternating current(AC) or rotary Watts are used in huge numbers in vehicle electrical systems as
current (more commonly called three-phase current) machines, or motors for wipers, power window lifters and blowers and as servo-
by the operating principle, which gives us the classifications of syn- motors.
chronous or asynchronous machines.
Out of all these various classifications, the following electrical
machines are discussed in more detail below:
Direct-current machines
Synchronous machines
Asynchronous machines.
System components > Electrical machines > Direct-current machines
Explain
Can you the operation
explain of a direct
the operating current
principle machine in your
of the direct-current own words.
machine?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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36
Rotary-current (three-phase) Machines Phases of the three alternating voltages

Three-phase machines are electromechanical converters that can
operate either as motors or as generators.
In motor mode the rotating magnetic field is generated by the
three-phase rotary current. In generator mode the machine rotary
current is an alternating current with three phases (live conductors).
The term "rotary current" derives from the mode of generation, but
the term "three phase" motor is more common, simply because
these machines have three phases.
Index Explanation
A Star circuit
B Delta circuit
In a star circuit, leg ends U2, V2 and W2 are all connected to point
N. Outer conductors L1, L2 and L3 of the star circuit run from leg
starting points U1, V1 and W1, respectively. In a delta configuration
the start of one coil leg is connected to the end of another coil's
leg. Broadly speaking, the coils are all connected one behind the
other. Outer conductors L1, L2 and L3 run from the connecting
points to the consumer. Because the coils are connected in this
way, only three conductors are needed to wire the three phases
Index Explanation L1, L2 and L3. In principle, both types of three-phase machine
1 Stator have the same stator structure with a three-leg rotary-current
winding.
2 Winding U
3 Winding V They differ only in the structure of the rotor. The structure of the
rotor is the feature that enables us to distinguish between synchro-
4
nous and asynchronous machines.
Winding W
5 Phases of rotary current

Synchronous Machine Structure of a synchronous machine
A three-phase synchronous machine is an electromechanical con-
verter that operates with a three phase supply as an electric motor,
or as a generator producing a three-phase supply for a consumer.
Synchronous machines are used primarily as generators to pro-
duce electrical energy in power plants.
A synchronous machine is generally the first choice nowadays as
well as the generator in a motor vehicle to supply electrical con-
sumers and charge the battery. In the medium-power range syn-
chronous machines have become rare these days although this is
set to change because hybrid-vehicle technology is turning more
and more to synchronous machines.
The magnetic field in the rotor of a synchronous machine is gener-
ated by permanent magnets (in small-scale machines) or by elec-
tromagnets (in larger machines). In the latter case wiper contacts
are necessary, but the current flowing through these contacts is
comparatively low. Unlike direct-current machines, a synchronous
machine does not need a commutator.
Most synchronous machines are of internal-pole design. Some
designs have the stator windings inside the machine and the rotor
with permanent magnets outside. A machine of this kind is referred
to as an external-rotor machine. Index Explanation
1 Stator
2 Winding U
3 Rotor
4 Winding V
5 Winding W
6 Phases of rotary current
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38
Principle of Synchronous Machines Most of the three-phase machines used in hybrid automotive tech-
When a rotary current is applied to the windings of the stator, a cor- nology are of the synchronous type.
responding rotating magnetic field is generated. The magnetic
The permanent magnets generate the magnetic field of the rotor,
poles of the rotor follow the direction of the rotating field. This
so it is not necessary to tap energy into the system from outside.
causes the rotor to rotate. The rotor moves at the same speed as
This is why these machines have a very high power density, com-
the rotating magnetic field. This speed is known as the synchro-
bined with a very high degree of efficiency (> 90%).
nous speed. Hence the term "synchronous machine". The speed
of the synchronous motor is precisely defined by the frequency of Other advantages of permanent-magnet synchronous machines
the rotary current and the number of pole pairs. A frequency con- include:
verter has to be used in order to achieve stepless speed control of
a synchronous motor. Low mass moment of inertia
Synchronous machines do not start up under their own power: Low maintenance
they must be set in motion either mechanically or with the aid Speed independent of load.
of frequency converters, accelerated to their rated speed, and
synchronized. Disadvantages of synchronous machines include:
High initial procurement costs for magnetic material
Sophisticated control electronics necessary
No self-start capability.
Index Explanation
1 Operation in motor mode
2 Operation in generator mode

System components > Electrical machines > Rotary-current (three-phase) machines
Note the parts of a synchronous machine.

Index Explanation
Index Explanation
1 1
2
2 3
3
4
5
4 6
7
5
What are the advantages and the disadvantages of a synchronous machine.
Advantages Disadvantages
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40
Asynchronous Machines The rotary field in the stator winding reverses the magnetic flux in
A three-phase asynchronous machine can be used as either a the conductor loops of the rotor.
motor or a generator. The characteristic feature of an asynchronous
This induces a voltage that causes current to flow in the short-cir-
machine is that the rotor does not have a direct supply of electricity.
cuited conductor bars. This current generates a magnetic field of its
The motor's magnetic field is built up by induction from the rotary
own. Lenz's law states that the direction of flux of the induced cur-
field of the stator. Another term frequently used for machines of this
rent is always in such a direction as to oppose the motion or
type is "induction machine", because the current flowing through
change causing it. The outcome is a torque that causes the rotor to
the rotor is always induced by the rotary field of the stator. The rotor
spin in the direction of the stator's rotary field. Consequently, induc-
is often shaped like a round cage with bar conductors that make up
tion is caused by the difference in the relative speeds of the rotary
the cage short-circuited at the ends.
fields of the stator and the rotor. However, the rotor cannot be per-
Structure of an asynchronous machine mitted to achieve the same speed as the stator's rotary field
because under these circumstances the magnetic flux change in
the conductor loops would be zero and no voltage would be
induced. The difference between the speed of the stator's rotary
field and the rotor is known as the slip speed, but it is also referred
to as the asynchronous speed. It is dependent on load. Stator field
and rotor rotate at different speeds so they are not in synchroniza-
tion - this is why a machine of this type is referred to as an asyn-
chronous motor. One advantage of asynchronous motors over syn-
chronous designs is that they are inherently much simpler and
therefore more robust. This derives primarily from the fact that the
principle dispenses with both commutator and brushes. Simplicity
of design also makes for lower cost of manufacture and low-mainte-
nance operation. Asynchronous motors are the most commonly
used kind of electric motor.
In terms of electrical layout, an asynchronous machine corresponds
to a transformer. The stator winding is the primary side and the
Index Explanation Index Explanation short-circuited conductor bars are the secondary side. Current set-
tles to a level that is dependent on speed.
1 Fan 5 Stator winding
2 Stator sheet pack 6 Short-circuit ring
3 Terminals (line in) 7 Roller bearing
4 Rotor sheet pack with rotor bars 8 Shaft

Equivalent circuit diagram of an asynchronous motor Speed control for asynchronous machines is generally implement-
ed with power electronics and frequency converters and speed
varies as frequency is increased or decreased.
Advantages of asynchronous machines:
Durability
Low maintenance, because structure is straightforward
and brushless
Comparatively low manufacturing costs
Index Explanation
Self-start capability
High short-term overload capability
Ue Line voltage
Inherently robust design.
Rs Ohmic resistance of the stator winding
Disadvantages of asynchronous machines:
Xs Inductive resistance of the stator winding
Less efficient than synchronous machines with permanent
Xr Inductive resistance of the rotor
magnets and high torque utilization
Rr Ohmic resistance of the rotor
Low pullaway torque unless coupled to a frequency converter
with run-up control.
Rs and Xs are the most significant features of the equivalent circuit
diagram of an idling asynchronous motor, and this is the reason
why the input of a machine of this nature is almost entirely reactive
power.
As long as the rotor is not in motion, the machine is a transformer
with short circuit on the secondary side. This means high currents
and powerful magnetic fields. In this pullaway range the machine is
not operating efficiently and the motor heats up rapidly and severe-
ly. As soon as the armature starts to rotate and adjust to the rotary
field in which it is spinning, the currents drop and efficiency
improves.
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42
Current Inverters A controlled rectifier needs a control voltage, a trigger that defined
the time at which a given electronic switch has to be opened and
Circuits designed to convert electric energy in terms of the voltage closed in order to achieve the rectifying effect. Controlled rectifiers
waveform and the voltage and current levels are known as current are implemented using electronic gates such as thyristors and
converters. Distinctions are drawn between rectifiers, inverters and MOSFETs. An uncontrolled rectifier rectifies the input AC voltage
converters (often called transformers). without extra control electronics.
Rectifiers convert AC voltage to DC voltage. Conversely, a DC volt-
Half-wave Rectifier
age can also be changed into an AC voltage. Inverters are used for
this purpose. Transforming a DC voltage to a higher or lower DC
voltage is a job for a converter. Converters are also more frequently,
but not necessarily accurately, called DC/DC transformers. AC con-
verters (also known as AC transformers) are used to transform an
AC voltage into a different AC voltage of a different amplitude. A half-wave rectifier works by allowing one half of each AC wave to
Frequency converters are used if the frequency of the AC voltage pass. The other half wave is blocked. The drawbacks of this circuit
has to be changed. In hybrid cars the power electronics are used to are the ripple at its output and the very poor degree of efficiency.
convert direct current voltage into alternating current voltage and The rectified voltage has to be smoothed before it can be used.
vice versa. Moreover, power electronics are also used for highly The ripple is of the same frequency as the input voltage.
flexible adaptation of the operating points of electrical machines.
Full-wave Rectifier Circuit
Rectifiers
Symbol used in circuit diagrams to represent a rectifier

The drawbacks of a half-wave rectifier can be overcome to a large
Rectifiers are used to transform AC voltage into DC voltage. A recti- extent by using full-wave rectifiers (also known as bridge rectifiers
fier consists of multiple diodes arranged in such a way as to func- or - less commonly - two-pulse bridge connections). There are four
tion as current rectifiers. The diodes deflect the corresponding half diodes in the circuit. The AC voltage applied on the left is convert-
waves of the AC voltage to the same direction, producing a pulsat- ed into a pulsating direct current voltage (shown here on the right).
ing direct current voltage. In order to obtain true constant-voltage This is a full-wave rectifying circuit, so the negative half-wave of the
DC, the voltage output by the rectifier has to be smoothed by AC voltage always appears as exclusively positive in the DC circuit
capacitors or chokes. Rectification can be uncontrolled by semi- at consumer R. The ripple frequency is twice that of the input volt-
conductor diodes, or controlled by thyristors. age. Similarly, this circuit also has a better degree of efficiency.
Three-phase Full-wave Rectifier Inverters
The converters that convert direct current voltage into alternating

current voltage are called inverters.
Inverters can be designed to provide single-phase alternating cur-
Three-phase current can also be rectified by what is known as a
rent or three-phase AC. They are capable of very high degrees of
six-pulse bridge circuit. This circuit has six diodes, so all the half-
efficiency in the region of 98 percent. Inverters are used in situa-
waves of the three phases are used. The rectified direct current
tions in which electric consumers need an AC supply in order to
voltage evinces no more than slight ripple. In motor vehicles,
operate, but only a DC source is available. In hybrid cards, for
circuits of this nature are used to rectify the alternator voltage,
example, which store their electrical energy in high-voltage batter-
for example.
ies but the electrical machine that provides propulsive power needs
three-phase electricity.
Another typical application is in a photovoltaic array. The power
from the DC voltage source has to be fed into the AC or three-
phase grid.
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44
DC/DC Converter AC/AC Converter
A DC/DC converter (often - though inaccurately - termed a trans- Symbol used in circuit diagrams to represent an AC/AC converter
former in common parlance) is a converter that converts a con-
An AC/AC converter is used to convert an input AC voltage into an
stant-current input voltage to a higher or lower DC voltage by peri-
output AC voltage of a higher or lower level. It is also possible to
odic switching. DC/DC converters are commonly used in electrical
convert alternating current voltages with transformers. But trans-
propulsion technology. The basic types are step-down transform-
formers are not included in the scope of power electronics. In other
ers, step-up transformers and inverters. The switches are generally
words, although an AC/AC converter does the same job as a trans-
either power MOSFETs or thyristors.
former it does not consist of coils with an iron core; instead, it is
Direct current voltage as such cannot be transformed, so a DC/DC designed as a circuit comprising power-electronics components.
converter works much like an electronic switched-mode power Complete the legend for the following graphic
supply, initially transforming the direct current voltage into an AC
voltage. This AC voltage then passes through a transformer in
which it is stepped up or down, as appropriate, and then trans-
formed back into a direct current voltage and smoothed. On
account of the principle involved, current can flow in only one
direction through a DC/DC converter.
In mild-hybrid and full-hybrid vehicles a DC/DC converter is needed
to step the voltage of the high-voltage battery down to 12 volts.
The DC/DC converter is a dual-mode implementation: it has to be
bidirectional so that the high-voltage battery can be charged with
jump leads or a charger in the event of it running flat. This means
that the converter can handle direct current voltages and convert
them in both directions.
1 3
2 4
System components > Power electronics > Current inverters
Complete the following graphic for different electrical powertrains.
Mild-hybrid
Full-hybrid
Serial Plug-in
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46
Electromechanical Switch Contactor The actuating coils of contactors can be designed for AC or DC
voltage. On account of the high-speed tripping of the solid switch
An electromechanical switch contactor is an electric switch for contacts, a switch contactor can be a source of mechanical vibra-
high-power switching actions. A switch contactor operates on tion and noise when it throws. When a contactor switches off the
much the same principle as a relay. The main difference is that a actuating coil operating as an inductive load generates interference
switch contactor can switch effectively at much higher power rat- in the form of a voltage spike. An overvoltage protector has to be
ings than a relay; switch contactors operate in ranges from 500 built into the circuitry to protect the control electronics. In alternat-
watts up to several hundred kilowatts. ing-current circuits a combination of resistor and capacitor (RC) is
Operating principle of a relay used for this purpose. A freewheeling diode can be used in DC cir-
cuits. RC combinations are also used to avoid breakaway sparking
and electric arcs at the switch contacts.
Symbol used in circuit diagrams to represent a switch contactor

System components > Electromechanical switch contactor
In your
Write ondifferences
the words, write down
between thethe difference
switch between
contactors a relay and a contactor.
and relay.
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_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
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48
Safety
High Electric Voltage Electric Voltage as a Cause of Current Flow

As well as generating electrical fields in the vicinity of objects,
Electrical Field electric voltage is also the reason why electric current flows in a
Every electrically charged object is surrounded by an electrical circuit. The higher the voltage U the higher the current I for any
field. The effect is familiar and often experienced when a non-con- given electrical resistance. In the high-voltage electrical system
ductive object takes on an electrostatic charge. The electrical field of a hybrid vehicle the voltages exceed those in the familiar 12-V
is caused by the difference in potential between the electrically systems by several orders of magnitude.
charged object and other objects in its vicinity. Instead of "differ-
ence in potential", we can also use the terms "electric voltage", Example: given a fixed resistance of R = 1,000
or "electric tension". at 12 Volts, the current would be 12 mA
Electrical fields of charged objects
at 120 Volts, the current would be 120 mA
at 360 Volts, the current would be 360 mA
Needless to say, the technical components of the high-voltage
electrical system are designed to have the resistances needed for
the higher voltages involved, so the current flowing through the
system is also of the desired level.
The resistance of the human body, however, is independent of the
electrical voltage of any given external source to which it is
exposed. Consequently, the current that would flow through the
human body in the event of contact with live parts of a hybrid car's
Index Explanation
high-voltage electrical system would be much higher than in the
A Electrical field of a positively charged sphere
case of a 12-V system.
B Electrical field of two electric conductors
The effect of electric current on the human body is discussed in
Live electric conductors also generate an electrical field in their this section.
vicinity. The electric voltages encountered in the field of hybrid-
auto engineering are in the order of magnitude of several hundred
volts.
However, the field generated in this way does not constitute a
direct hazard. The electrical field of an electrostatically charged
object can be considerably stronger by comparison.
Safe
Safewworking
orking practices
practices
c > Hazards
Hazards involved
involved wit
with
h electricity
electricity > Overview
Overvie
view
Which hazards can be

e involved with electricity?
?
Electrical shock
Electric arc
Fire
Chemical burn
24
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50
Electrical Shock Electricity does not only have effects that can be used for technical
The cells in the human body are to a limited purposes (heat, light, chemical and magnetic effects). Electricity is
extent electrically conductive. The high pro- also capable of producing effects in living organisms, including the
portion of liquid in the cells is one of the main bodies of human beings.
reasons for this. If a person touches a live
This is what is termed the physiological effect. The reason for this
component, an electric current can flow
is that many functions of the human body are controlled by electri-
through his or her body. The current invariably
cal processes. The movements of our muscles are produced by
takes the shortest path through the body.
electrical impulses, and this also includes our heartbeat.
The organs affected by the electricity depends on the path taken
Similarly, the information provided by the sensory organs is carried
by the current through the body. In the graphic above, the heart and
by electrical means through the nervous system to the brain. And
the respiratory organs are among those affected.
the human brain itself operates with electrical signals. These sig-
Approximate resistances can be given for the various paths that nals within the human body emit only minute voltages (mV) and
current is likely to take through the human body. The human body's currents (A).
ohmic resistance to current can be dependant, but not limited to
If an electric current from an external voltage source flows through
the following factors.
the human body, it overlays the body's natural electrical signals.
Clothing This can have a massively disruptive effect on the natural electrical
processes that take place all the time in the human body. The
Wetness of the skin
effect is usually perceived as an electric shock, and the natural
Length of and nature of the path through the body. response is to jerk back, away from the source.
The denser and drier the items of clothing at the parts of the body If the current is strong the reactions of the muscles become
at which the electric current enters and exits the body, the higher uncontrollable. A muscular spasm can occur with the result that the
the resistance. If the skin is wet from water or damp from perspira- live part is tightly clenched and cannot be released. This let-go limit
tion, the body's electrical resistance is correspondingly lower. is important, because once it is passed a very dangerous loop is
closed: the longer the current is able to flow through the body the
If the current follows a short path through the body resistance is
more damaging are its effects.
higher than if the current takes a longer route. The table below lists
guideline values for the electrical resistance of the human body.
Path of Electrical Current (body) Approximate Ohmic Resistance

From hand to hand Approx. 1000
From one hand to both feet Approx. 750
From both hands to both feet Approx. 500
From both hands to the torso Approx. 250

Safe working practices > Hazards involved with electricity > Effects of current flow on humans
Time is money??? Not only money, but in terms of electricity
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
t [ms]
Take notes about the areas and lines shown in the diagram:
A ____________________________________________________
B ____________________________________________________
C ____________________________________________________
D ____________________________________________________
1 ____________________________________________________
2 ___________________________________________________
I [mA]
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52

Safe working practices > Hazards involved with electricity > Voltage used in hybrid cars
Please note the different

voltage levels. Voltage
312 V
Full-Hybrid
230 V
What are the voltage limits, from which on they
are hazardous (according to the ISO standard)?
Is there a difference between alternating
current (AC) and direct current (DC)?
120 V
Alternating Current (AC):
Mild-Hybrid
__________________________________________
60 V
Direct Current (DC):
12 V __________________________________________
0V 25
The most dangerous disruption of normal muscular activity affects Consequently, it is absolutely essential to ensure that after receiv-
the respiratory muscles and the cardiac muscle. This can cause ing first aid, the victim of an electric shock is thoroughly examined
apnoea, the cessation of movement of the respiratory muscles. and re-examined by a professional physician.
Depending on current strength, the length of time during which
current continues to flow, and the frequency (alternating current), Arc Flash
ventricular fibrillation. This is a condition of feeble, high-frequency An arc flash occurs when current flows between two conductors
contractions of the heart muscle, which are insufficient to maintain across a gap containing a gas (e.g. air). This gap is usually of an
the circulation of the blood. insulating or poorly conductive nature.
Apnoea and ventricular fibrillation both cause a breakdown of blood An arc flash can occur when two conductors are initially brought
circulation, which means that the supply of oxygen to the body's into contact with each other and a current flows. Subsequent sepa-
vital organs is cut off. These are conditions of acute danger to life. ration of the conductors initially produces only a very narrow gap
between the two. Since the gap is narrow the electric field is
Under these circumstances immediate first aid is absolutely essen- extremely strong and might be higher than the breakdown strength
tial to rescue the victim from injury or fatality. of the gas occupying the gap.
Burns Under these circumstances sparkover occurs and gas molecules
The heat developed by the electric current can also cause injury to are ionized. Ions and electrons are violently released from the
and in the human body. External burns can be suffered, primarily material of the two conductors, and the result is that after the
due to arcing. Internally, the electric current heats up the tissue sparkover the material evinces signs of wear and tear. Another
through which it flows. The body fluids in particular can become result is that charge carriers capable of migrating are produced:
hot enough for evaporation to occur. positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons. Because
of the presence of the electrical voltage, these charge carriers
Injuries of this nature are known as internal burns. The organs can
migrate across the gap to the corresponding conductors. They
cease to function within a very short time and the blood ceases to
then react with the conductors. When charge carriers move, their
circulate. These are conditions of acute danger to life.
movement means that electric current flows. This mode of produc-
These are the immediate effects of severe electric shock, but there ing a current flux in gases is known as gas discharge. In the case of
are also others that might only emerge some time after the actual an arc flash this is a continuous process. New charge carriers are
incident. Even then it is possible for mortally dangerous situations produced in succession and the current continues to flow. The
to develop. For example, it takes some time for body cells destroy- gaseous matter between the conductors assumes the state in
ed by an incident involving exposure to electricity to be broken which it is known as plasma.
down by natural processes. In fact, the process can take several
A light arc cannot flash between two conductors unless the voltage
days.
reaches a certain minimum level and the current flows at a certain
The substances produced in this way have to be passed through minimum strength (before the conductors are separated). These
the kidneys. If dead cells in very large numbers are present the kid- values cannot be positively stated because they depend on the
neys can become overloaded and kidney failure can be the result. material of which the conductors consist.
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54
In the plasma between the two conductors the migrating charge Electric arc between two conductors
carriers collide and cause the gas to heat up. Depending on the
material of the conductors and the surrounding gas in the plasma,
temperatures can reach approximately 4000C or higher. These
extremely high temperatures can release other charge carriers from
the material of the conductors. This sustains the arc and causes
steady attrition of the conductor material as it is "burned up".
This consumption of the material is an effect that has to be taken
duly into account in terms of technical design: arcing that occurs at
switch contacts as they open erodes the contacts. This is why the
manufacturer generally guarantees the operation of relays or switch
contactors for only a limited number of switching operations.
Electric arcs are also a source of danger to humans:
Burns: the very high temperatures involved inevitably cause
extremely severe burns if a person comes too close to an arc Index Explanation
or penetrates directly into the arc. Keep well clear of electric 1 Conductor
arcs and use suitable protective gloves to hold the conductors.
2 Electric arc
Ultraviolet radiation: the colliding charge carriers produce not
3 Conductor
only heat but also light with ultraviolet (UV) components. This
UV light can cause injury to the eyes, and more specifically to
the retina. This causes the painful condition known among
welders as "eyeflash" or simply "flash", otherwise often
referred to as "welding flash". Never look directly into an
electric arc - always wear a protective facemask.
Flying particles: ions and electrons are constantly shed from
the conductors in the high-temperature zone produced by the
electric arc. The process can also cause small particles of the
material to break off in an uncontrolled manner. These tiny
particles are often tremendously hot. Keep well clear of elec-
tric arcs unless you are wearing suitable protective clothing
(including protective gloves and eye protection).
Safe
Safe working
working practices
practices
ces > First
First aid in case off electrical accidents
How do you help a person

erson who had an electrical
al accident?
Build a survival chain and sort the actions to be
e taken
into the correct sequence!
ence!
911
Send out
Think and secure emergency
emergency call
IInterrupt
nterrupt
t the circuit
First
rst aid Help by emergency
em
mergency Post-accident
ent
Notes: service medical
medical treatment
treatm
atment
______________________________________________
_ __________________________________________________
_ _____________________
__
__________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___
______________________________________________
_ __________________________________________________
_ _____________________
__
__________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___
______________________________________________
_ __________________________________________________
_ _____________________
__
__________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _ _
35
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56
Preventing Hazards High-voltage components are identified either by the warning label
shown below or by a high-visibility orange color (as is the case with
Every individual working in the Service sector bears responsibility high-voltage cables).
for the discharge of certain important duties with regard to health
and safety at work:
Always comply with verbal instructions and written rules
concerning health and safety.
Always make adequate use of the protective devices provided.
Always use the facilities (tools, vehicles) in accordance with Example of a high-voltage warning label
instructions.
If equipment is found to be defective, make sure that it is
correctly restored to full working order. The principle health and safety rule is simple:
Never work on live components!
Each individual not qualified to undertake such repairs themselves
must immediately notify their superior to have the repairs duly
undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity. Consequently, before starting work it is essential to de-energize the
The ISO community has deemed the following voltage levels to be system in question and make sure that it cannot be re-energized
hazardous: without the knowledge and consent of the person undertaking the
work.
Alternating current (AC) voltages of 25 V or higher
Other, specific, more detailed health and safety rules are derived
Direct current (DC) voltages of 60 V or higher from this principal rule. Each and every individual involved in
A voltage is defined as being hazardous on the basis of the conse- Service must always apply these rules before starting and while
quences resulting when a person touches a live part. The voltage working on high-voltage components. Strict compliance with these
is defined as "hazardous" when the current flowing through the rules is absolutely essential in order to ensure health and safety.
person's body can cause injury to health. In hybrid cars the compo- The three safety rules for hybrid vehicles are as follow:
nents that work at hazardous voltages are referred to collectively
as "high-voltage components". 1. De-energize the system
2. Secure the system so that it cannot be re-energized
without your knowledge and consent
3. Check that the system is de-energized
Safe working practices > Safety rules to prevent electrical hazards > Identify high voltage components
How canyou
How can high-voltage
identify highcomponents be identified?
voltage components?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
30
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58
When working on the BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles in the service

center, the high-voltage system will be entirely de-energized.
Under absolutely NO condition may a high-voltage system or

component be worked on with the high-voltage enabled.
Work on any vehicles high-voltage system may only be

performed by a certified and trained service technician.
The three safety rules MUST always be adhered to when

working on a vehicles high-voltage system.
Safe working practices > Safety rules to prevent electrical hazards > Main rule and sequence of actions
Do not work on
LIVE
high voltage parts!
Please write down the three safety rules for working on high voltage components in the correct order.
1 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
31
59
60
Safety Rule 1 - De-energize the System This effectively pulls the plug on the series-connected battery
A service employee working on high-voltage components can cells. Once the voltage source has been disconnected in this way,
come into contact with components such as the connections of the externally accessible poles of the high-voltage battery are no
the high-voltage cables. While the vehicle is in operation these live longer live.
components carry hazardous voltages. Service employees must be
The connector, the plug at which the connection is broken, is
able to work under conditions that do not entail risk to health and
called the "high-voltage safety switch" but in technical jargon it is
safety, so when work is to be undertaken all the high-voltage com-
also frequently referred to as the "Service Disconnect".
ponents must be "dead", in other words free of hazardous voltage.
The simplest possible way of achieving this is to remove the energy In the vehicles, the current range of the high-voltage safety switch
source, in other words the high-voltage battery, by disconnecting it varies in appearance and configuration from model to model. By
from the circuit. This can be accomplished as shown in the graphic way of example, the illustration above shows the type used in the
below. BMW ActiveHybrid X6.
Safety rule 1: de-energize the system High-voltage safety switch for the BMW ActiveHybrid X6
1 Housing of the high-voltage battery 1 High-voltage battery
2 External connections of the high-voltage battery 2 High-voltage safety switch (Service Disconnect)
3 High-voltage safety switch pulled (disconnected)
4 High-voltage safety switch inserted (system is live)

As an alternative to disconnection of the series-connected battery Safety rule 1: de-energize the system (via monitored safety circuit)
cells, there is another way in which the high-voltage safety switch
can be used. In this respect, the high-voltage safety switch acts as
control input for a control unit. The control unit immediately inter-
rupts the supply to the switch contactors, as soon as it establishes
that the high-voltage safety switch has been pulled. The contacts
of the switch contactors respond by opening automatically.
The effect is the same as disconnection of the series-connected
battery cells: once the high-voltage safety switch has been pulled
there is no longer a hazardous voltage present at the external poles
of the high-voltage battery.
When the high-voltage safety switch is pulled, several processes
take place automatically and in parallel in the high-voltage system.
This ensures that hazardous voltage is no longer present at the
poles of the high-voltage battery, at electronic components, or at
the electrical machine or machines:
1. Disconnection of the series-connected battery cells or/and Index Explanation
opening of the switch contactors in the high-voltage battery
1 Housing of the high-voltage battery
2. Discharge of the capacitors in the other high-voltage
components
2 Two switch contactor contacts
3. Short-circuiting of the windings of the electrical machines.
3 Switch contactor solenoid
These measures, once implemented, avert the major hazards that
could otherwise threaten Service employees. But what would hap- Control unit that evaluates the state (pulled/inserted) of the high-voltage
4
pen if someone else (intentionally or unintentionally) reinserts the safety switch and actuates the switch contactor accordingly
high-voltage safety switch? If this were to happen there would be a 5 High-voltage connections of the high-voltage battery
possibility of a hazardous voltage being applied to components
being worked on or about to be worked on, and this would of 6 Separate housing for the high-voltage safety switch
course constitute a major hazard to health and safety.
Consequently, not only does the high-voltage system have to be 7 High-voltage safety switch inserted (system is live)
de-energized, it also has to be secured so that it cannot be re-
energized without the knowledge and consent of the person 8 High-voltage safety switch pulled (disconnected)
undertaking the work.
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62
Safety Rule 2 - Secure the System (Lockout) This simple precaution suffices to ensure that no-one else can
Once the high-voltage safety switch has been pulled, the high-volt- switch on the high-voltage safety system until all work on the sys-
age system can be secured at the switch to ensure that it not tem has been completed. This rules out inadvertent endangerment
switched on again. This entails installing a conventional padlock. of the persons working on the high-voltage system not only before
Once the high-voltage safety switch has been pulled and secured work commences, but also for as long as it takes to complete all
in this way, it cannot be reinserted until the padlock has been the work in question.
removed. The person working on the high-voltage system has the
key of the padlock in safekeeping until all work on the high-voltage
system is completed.
Safety rule 2: Secure the system so that it cannot be re-energized
without your knowledge and consent
Index Explanation
A Use an open padlock
Secure the high-voltage safety switch in its

B pulled position by engaging the padlock
C Keep the key of the padlock in a safe place at all times

Safety Rule 3 - Ensure that the system is de-energized Check Control symbol: high-voltage system is de-energized and safe
Once the person who is going to work on the high-voltage system
has de-energized the system and locked the switch so that it can-
not be switched on again without the key, there are still certain
safety rules that have to be applied.
The next step is a check to ensure that the high-voltage system is
in fact de-energized and safe. In BMW vehicles, it is not necessary
to use an external tester for this step in the procedure. The design
of the high-voltage system is such that the system itself can tell
that it has been de-energized. Several high-voltage components
measure their own voltage, using integrated circuits for voltage Note: No external measuring equipment will be necessary.
measurement. Various engineered safety measures have been
The results of these measurements are transmitted via bus sys- implemented on the BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles
tems to the instrument panel. When the results of all these meas- that ensure safety.
urements show a voltage that is below the hazard threshold, the
instrument panel shows a symbol indicating that the high-voltage
system has been successfully powered down and is no longer live.
In this Check Control symbol, the danger symbol representing
high-voltages (lighting flash) is struck through. The symbol is there-
fore a visual indicator clearly emphasizing that there is no longer a
hazardous voltage present in the system. Depending on the vehicle Under NO condition should work on a high-voltage compo-
type, the symbol actually shown in the instrument panel might not nent be carried out if this check control message does not
necessarily be exactly as illustrated here. Consult the instructions in appear. The high-voltage system will be considered ener-
the repair manual or the training media for the vehicle type in ques- gized. A PuMA case MUST be submitted.
tion to ascertain precisely which symbol is used to indicate this
state.
This is the third safety rule and once again it is essential to apply it
before starting work on high-voltage components. The procedure
is a simple a check to ensure that the high-voltage system has
been correctly switched off and has safely de-energized. The
check ensures that the high-voltage system is not a source of dan-
ger for persons working on the vehicle.
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64

Safe working practices > Safety rules to prevent electrical hazards > First step: de-energize the high voltage system
Use the high voltage safety connector (service disconnect) to

de-energize the high voltage system!
There are two different ways, how the high voltage safety connector
works. Note similarities and differences.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
U ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
U
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
32
Safe working practices > Safety rules to prevent electrical hazards > Second step: secure the high voltage system
Use a pad lock to secure the high voltage system, so that it cannot
be re-energized without your consent!
Where will you put the key, while you are working on the high-voltage
system?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
U
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
33
65
66

Safe working practices > Safety rules to prevent electrical hazards > Third step: Check that the high voltage system is de-energized
Check, that the high voltage system is de-energized!

Will you need any special tools? Do you have to use the IMIB?
Can you check it at the instrument cluster? Why/why not?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
BMW E72 KOMBI BMW F04 KOMBI 34

Safe working practices > Safety rules to prevent electrical hazards > Main rule and sequence of actions
Do not work on
LIVE
high voltage parts!
Please write down the three safety rules for working on high voltage components in the correct order.
1 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
31
67
68
Nickel Metal Hydride Battery ing of the nickel metal hydride battery. When the battery is used
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, if used correctly and kept correctly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions the
free of damage, are not a direct source of endangerment. The cas- concentration is low and poses no hazard (according to information
ing is designed to ensure that fluids (electrolyte, for example) can- provided by manufacturer).
not escape at any point in the entire usable lifespan of the battery.
In order to diminish the possibility of explosion, always keep fire,
If the casing is damaged, as can happen for example in the event of
sparks and all other sources of ignition well away from NiMH bat-
an accident or if the battery is not used correctly in accordance
teries.
with the manufacturer's instructions, NiMH batteries can be a
source of endangerment as follows: NiMH batteries bear labels showing hazard symbols to indicate the
possible dangers.
Chemical burns (electrolyte)
Injury to health (electrolyte, coolant)
Fire/explosion.
A solution of potassium hydroxide is used as the electrolyte in
NiMH batteries. This solution is classified as a caustic irritant. In the
event of electrolyte escaping from a NiMH battery, it is important
not to come into contact with the spilled liquid. Obtain medical
assistance if a person is wetted by or swallows the electrolyte.
Notify the fire service in the event of a spillage: the fire service has
the special equipment needed to deal correctly with the spilled
electrolyte.
Comply with the instructions set down in the safety data sheet on
how to proceed in the event of electrolyte escaping from a nickel
metal hydride battery.
NiMH batteries can develop full power only within a limited ambient
temperature range. Consequently, the battery is connected to an
on-board cooling circuit. The coolant is the same as that commonly
used in BMW vehicles. It is hazardous to health and under no cir-
cumstances should it be swallowed or allowed to come into con-
tact with the skin.
When NiMH batteries are charging or discharging, the chemical
reactions involved produce gases (oxygen and hydrogen, respec-
tively). These gases can escape through a breathe valve in the cas-
Safe working practices > Hazards involved with electricity > Chemical dangers
Write down the meanings of the symbols on the label of a

nickel metal hydride battery:
1 _______________________________________________________________
2 _______________________________________________________________
3 _______________________________________________________________
4 _______________________________________________________________
5 _______________________________________________________________
6 _______________________________________________________________
7 _______________________________________________________________
8 _______________________________________________________________
29
69
70
Lithium-ion Battery the air conditioning system. Consequently, it is essential to comply

Similarly, the Lithium-ion batteries in BMW vehicles are safe when with the repair instructions and the instructions in the applicable
used correctly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions safety data sheets for all work on Lithium-ion batteries and in par-
and kept free of damage. It is important to note, however, that ticular when opening the connections to the refrigerant circuit.
restrictive conditions apply to correct usage. In particular it is very
Strict compliance with the repair instructions for work on the refrig-
important to ensure that Lithium-ion batteries are not overcharged
erant circuit and this includes Lithium-ion batteries is essential
and not exposed to excessively high temperatures.
in order to preclude the possibility of a health hazard.
Overcharging can cause metallic lithium to deposit on the positive
The Lithium-ion batteries used in BMW vehicles have hermetically
electrode and destroy the negative electrode. If this is allowed to
sealed casings. The only external connections are the high-voltage
happen the temperatures at the battery rise and the Lithium-ion
terminals and the coolant lines. Even so, special precautions also
battery can catch fire. In BMW vehicles the control unit of the
apply to using and working with high-voltage batteries of this kind.
Lithium-ion battery ensures that charging and discharging cycles
take place only within the specified boundary conditions. Sensors
are used to monitor cell temperature and cell voltage. The control
unit intervenes in the charging or discharging process as neces- Note: Never attempt to open the casing of Lithium-ion bat-
sary. This applies both when the vehicle is in use and in circum- teries. Never attempt to operate or charge a battery
stances in which the high-voltage battery is charged off a charger of this kind unless it is connected to the appropriate
connected to the 12-V system. control unit. Failure to comply with these precau-
tions will result in a risk of fire
Do not expose Lithium-ion batteries to excessively high tempera-
tures. Operating temperatures higher than approx. 50C suffice to
accelerate the aging process and shorten battery life. If the cells are Note: It is recommended that only a specially trained per-
permitted to reach temperatures of 100C or higher a short-circuit son attempt to extinguish a fire caused by a Lithium-
can occur between the cells. The high currents that flow if the cells ion battery.
short further increase temperature and a chain reaction can occur.
The entire Lithium-ion battery would suffer irreversible damage and
could catch fire.
It is difficult to extinguish a Lithium-ion battery if it catches fire.
However, there is no direct risk of the battery itself exploding.
Nevertheless, the high temperatures produced by the fire could
ignite objects, liquids or gases in proximity to the battery and this in
turn could cause an explosion.
The upper limit for operating temperature is very firmly defined, so
Lithium-ion batteries in BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles are cooled. For
example, they can be connected directly to the refrigerant circuit of
Lithium-ion battery (F04)
What are some reasons that a Lithium-ion battery
can catch fire?
What affect will one galvanic cell that catches fire

have on a Lithium-ion battery?
Index Explanation
1 Warning label
2 Casing
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Electrical Machines
High output is a characteristic of the electric drive in every BMW
ActiveHybrid, so the electrical machines operate with very strong
magnetic fields. These fields are generated by permanent magnets
or electromagnets. It is important to bear in mind that the magnetic
fields of permanent magnets are also permanent, in other words
they are present even if the high-voltage system is switched off or
the electrical machine has been removed.
These magnetic fields can interfere with electronic medical
devices, particularly cardiac pacemakers.
The components in question bear a prohibition label drawing atten-
tion to this specific hazard. By way of example, the illustration to the
right shows this label affixed to an electrical machine.
Persons who need a cardiac pacemaker or other electronic

medical device to maintain their health are not permitted to
work on components bearing the prohibition label shown
here.
Prohibition: People with cardiac pacemakers should not approach

Classroom Exercise - Review Questions
1. What steps must be followed if a person is found on the floor and electric shock is suspected?
2. What type of high-voltage battery is the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 equipped with?
3. When working on a high-voltage component, what three safety rules MUST be followed? And why?
4. What is the proper course of action if the high-voltage de-energized check control message does not appear on the KOMBI?
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74
Engineered Safety Measures Identification/labelling of High-voltage Components

Each high-voltage component has on its housing or casing an
The BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles in general and the high-voltage identifying label that enables service employees and vehicle users
components in particular are designed and built to be inherently to identify intuitively the possible hazards that can result from the
safe. This means that faults that could lead to endangerment of the high electric voltages used.
vehicle user are reliably detected and identified. Such detection
and identification leads to immediate shutdown of the high-voltage The warning labels are all based on the internationally standardized
system, with the result that there are no longer hazardous voltages and universally familiar warning signs for hazardous electrical volt-
present at active components of the system. Shutdown is initiated age. On this basis, two different warning signs are currently used in
automatically for example if a cover of a high-voltage component is BMW ActiveHybrid vehicles to identify high-voltage components.
removed. Both these labels contain an extra symbol prompting the service
The high-voltage system is also of fault-tolerant design in order to employee to consult the appropriate repair information. The docu-
ensure that the vehicle user does not have to stop on account of ment in question contains the information relevant to correct proce-
every minor fault. This means that the occurrence of a single fault dures for safety in handling and working with the high-voltage com-
does not cause direct endangerment. Self-diagnosis of the high- ponent in question. The labels of the second type also contain a
voltage components ascertains the presence of these faults, how- third symbol drawing attention to the possibility of an electric shock
ever, and logs them in fault memory. hazard.
Nonetheless, the vehicle can proceed on its way without any risk.
The list below provides an overview of the engineered-safety
measures that are used in the high-voltage system of BMW
ActiveHybrid vehicles.
Identification labelling
Guarding to prevent accidental contact
High-voltage interlock loop
Discharge of the high-voltage circuit
Galvanic separation of the high-voltage electrical
system from the 12 V electrical system
Short-circuit monitoring
Shutdown in the event of an accident
The means of identifying high-voltage cables is a special instance. The manufacturers of hybrid vehicles have agreed on a unified
These cables can be several meters in length, so there would be system of identification for the high-voltage components based on
little point in relying on one or two labels affixed at arbitrary points the warning labels shown above and the use of orange as a warn-
sufficing under all imaginable circumstances to identify a cable as ing color for high-voltage cable.
carrying high-voltage. Labels of this nature would be easily over-
looked. Instead, all high-voltage cables have bright orange sheaths.
Some connectors for high-voltage cables and the high-voltage
safety switch can also be bright orange.
Orange coloring of the outer sheath identifies the high-voltage cables
Index Explanation
Orange coloring identifying cables and

A components in the engine compartment
B Orange coloring identifying components at the high-voltage battery
C Orange coloring identifying components at the active gearbox
1 High-voltage cables in the engine compartment
2 Connector on a high-voltage cable
3 Terminals on the high-voltage battery
4 High-voltage safety switch (Service Disconnect)
5 High-voltage cables at the high-voltage battery
6 High-voltage cables at the active gearbox
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76
Protection Against Direct Contact Protection Against Indirect Contact

Guarding to prevent accidental contact is a term that covers a num- The second level, fault protection, comprises additional protective
ber of basic technical measures for electrical systems that are measures over and above basic protection that prevent endanger-
adopted to ensure that no-one can inadvertently touch a live com- ment for humans even in the event of an electrical fault occurring.
ponent carrying a hazardous voltage. There are two levels, namely They include:
basic protection (against direct contact) and fault protection
(against indirect contact). Insulation of the high-voltage cables
Basic protection describes the level of protection under normal Network form of the high-voltage electrical system.
operating conditions, in other words in the absence of faults. The The high-voltage cables invariably have an insulating plastic cover-
housings and covers of the high-voltage system are shaped and ing. Outside this covering there is only a shield (wire braid/film) that
assembled such that it is not possible to insert a finger in such a is used for two purposes: to reduce electromagnetic interference
way as to come into contact with a component carrying a haz- and primarily for the purposes of insulation monitoring (see below).
ardous voltage. The shield is protected against mechanical damage (e.g. chafing)
There is an even higher classification of protection required at cer- by a bright orange plastic outer sheath. The high-voltage cables are
tain other locations in the vehicle. The next level of protection required to meet ultra-high requirements in terms of insulation
states that the enclosure is such as not to permit contact to be resistance. Insulation resistance ratings in the order of magnitude
made with a component carrying a hazardous voltage even by of several megaohms is a must, and compliance is verified in post-
insertion of a wire. production testing and monitored when the cables are in use. The
implementation of these measures means that the high-voltage
Basic protection also includes the insulation of active parts (live cables comply with the class II requirements for protection against
parts in other words) that can be inside or outside enclosures. direct contact.
Isolation Monitoring precision resistors between live components (e.g. positive and
The voltage source is not connected to earth (in automotive appli- negative poles of the high-voltage battery) and vehicle ground.
cations: to vehicle ground), no shortcircuit current flows. These measurements take place both while the high-voltage sys-
Consequently, a fuse would not be tripped in this situation. This in tem is live and after the high-voltage system has been switched off.
turn means that if a fault of this nature occurs, the high-voltage sys- Isolation monitoring is generally integrated into one or two high-
tem can initially remain in operation. This ensures the high availabil- voltage components, for example the power electronics and/or the
ity of the high-voltage electrical system and this constitutes a sig- control unit of the high-voltage battery. But how can isolation moni-
nificant advantage of this network form. IT networks can be used toring detect an isolation fault in another high-voltage component,
not only for three-phase systems but also for the direct-current such as the electric A/C compressor, for example?
configurations that are also used for the high-voltage systems of
Isolation monitoring at one or two central points can function only if
hybrid vehicles.
all electrically conductive housings of the high-voltage components
If a person touches the enclosure (housing of the high-voltage bat- are galvanically (electrically) connected to ground, in other words to
tery) current does not flow through his or her body because the cir- the body of the vehicle. This galvanic connection has to be present
cuit to the voltage source is not closed. In fact, the circuit is not in order for example for the monitor implemented in the power
closed even if the person simultaneously contacts vehicle ground electronics to reliably detect a short circuit in a high-voltage cable
by touching the bodywork of the vehicle with some other part of of the electric A/C compressor. In the absence of this galvanic con-
the body. The only situation in which current could flow through the nection between housing and ground the fault would remain unde-
person's body would be if he or she were also to simultaneously tected and would therefore constitute a potential hazard. The gal-
touch a second live cable of the high-voltage electrical system. vanic interconnection between the housings the connections from
This clearly illustrates a second advantage of IT networks. housing to ground is referred to as "equipotential bonding". The
electrical connections established for this purpose are known as
But how can a fault of this kind be detected and, ultimately, how
"equipotential bonding conductors" or simply "bonding conduc-
can it be rectified? This is the reason why isolation monitoring is
tors".
implemented in the high-voltage electrical system. Its purpose is
to detect hazardous isolation faults between any live high-voltage The electrically conductive housings of high-voltage components
component and electrically conductive enclosures or housing or must be galvanically connected to ground. As regards repairs to
between a component and ground. A hazardous isolation fault is high-voltage components, but also when body components are
present when a hazardous voltage is applied between hous- replaced, this has to be taken duly into consideration during
ing/ground and another live high-voltage component. Or expressed assembly: it is essential to make sure that the galvanic connection
in other terms, when the isolation resistance between a high-volt- between the housing and the body is correctly restored. In this
age component and housing/ground drops below a defined thresh- respect too, it is very important to proceed precisely in accordance
old. with the repair instructions. This applies most particularly to the use
of the specified connecting elements (e.g. self-tapping screws) and
The isolation monitoring circuitry in the high-voltage electrical sys-
compliance with the specifications for tightening torques.
tem measures the system's isolation resistance, for example indi-
rectly by a series of voltage measurements. Voltage is measured at
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78
High-voltage Interlock Loop the connection of the high-voltage cables is interrupted.

The live parts of the high-voltage components are protected
This enhances touch-contact protection and reduces the risk of an
against direct touch contact by covers or housings. Much the same
arc flashing across the contacts when the connection is broken.
applies to the conductors of the high-voltage cables: they are pro-
tected against touch contact by their insulating sheaths or by insu- The jumpers are connected in series in the entire circuit of the
lating connector housings. Before working on a high-voltage com- high-voltage interlock loop. Consequently, removing a single cover
ponent, you must apply the safety rules to shut down the high-volt- or pulling a single connector suffices to interrupt the interlock sig-
age system. nal.
Once this has been accomplished according to procedure, the Result of opening the HVIL circuit
parts are no longer live and work can proceed in safety. There is of
Index Explanation
course a remote possibility that the correct shutdown procedure
might be omitted, so an extra safety precaution is implemented as 1 High-voltage battery unit
a means of imposing an automatic shutdown of the high-voltage 2 HVIL electronics
system. 3 Signal generator
Covers over touchable live parts and plugs that have touchable 4 Evaluation circuit
contacts are integrated into the high-voltage contact monitoring cir- 5 Switch contactors
cuit known as the high-voltage interlock loop. The principle of the 6 High-voltage battery
high-voltage interlock loop is illustrated and explained below.
7 High-voltage safety cover
The electronics of the high-voltage interlock loop discharge two 8 Jumper - HV safety cover
primary functions. The first is to generate the interlock signal. This
9 Jumper - HV connector
is an alternating voltage (or an alternating current) that is generally a
square wave with low values and therefore safe. The interlock sig- 10 12V connector
nal is tapped into a circuit that runs over the covers of the high-volt- A Removing HV connector
age components and/or the connectors of the high-voltage cables. B Switch contactors open
There is a jumper in each cover or connector. When the cover is

installed and secured, the jumper closes in the circuit of the high-
voltage interlock loop. If the cover is removed and the jumper
pulled, the circuit is interrupted. Much the same applies with the
high-voltage connectors: if the high-voltage connector is inserted
and locked the jumper closes in the circuit of the high-voltage
interlock loop. If the connector is pulled, the jumper interrupts the
circuit. The contacts of the high-voltage cables are recessed in the
connectors. This means that when the connector is pulled the
circuit of the high-voltage interlock loop is interrupted first, before
Safe working practices > Engineered safety measures > Insulation monitoring
What happens if
- an insulation failure at the high voltage system occurs
- and a human touches the housing of the corresponding component?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
How does the insulation monitoring work in principle?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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Safe working practices > Engineered safety measures > Safety covers on high voltage components
Whats the purpose of the safety covers on high voltage components?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What happens when you remove a safety cover?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
On which high voltage components can you find safety covers?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
38
Safe working practices > Engineered safety measures > High voltage interlock loop
What are the major components of the

1 2 3 high voltage interlock loop system?
1 ____________________________________________
2 ____________________________________________
3 ____________________________________________
4 ____________________________________________
5 ____________________________________________
6 ____________________________________________
7 6
7 ____________________________________________
5 4
Under which conditions will the interlock signal be interrupted?

What happens, when the interlock signal is interrupted?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
37
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82
The electronics can be integrated as part of a control unit of a Discharge of the High-voltage Circuit
high-voltage component (for example the high-voltage battery). The In addition to the high-voltage battery there are two other voltage
generator and the evaluation circuit for the interlock signal can be sources in the high-voltage electrical system: the capacitors in the
split across two high-voltage components (e.g. high-voltage battery power electronics (and other high-voltage components) and coils
and power electronics). of the electrical machines. Even after the switch contactors of the
high-voltage battery open in the power-down process, the capaci-
Shutdown of the high-voltage system is automatic and takes place tors or the electrical machines would be capable of keeping the
in several steps: voltage in the high-voltage electrical system at a level high enough
Cancellation of activation signal for the electrical machine(s) to constitute a touch hazard.
Short-circuit of the coils of the electrical machines This is the reason why the high-voltage circuit is discharged each
time the high-voltage system is powered down. The graphics on
Opening of the switch contactors in the high-voltage battery the next page uses a simplified circuit diagram of high-voltage
Discharging of the high-voltage circuit. components to illustrate how the discharge process takes place.
In this way all possible voltage sources in the high-voltage system As long as the switch contactors of the high-voltage battery remain
are reliably shut down. This ensures that no later than five seconds closed, the voltage of the high-voltage battery is present in the
after interruption of the high-voltage interlock loop circuit there is high-voltage cables. The capacitor on the DC voltage side of the
no longer a hazardous voltage present at any point in the entire power electronics carries the same voltage and is charged. The
high-voltage system. power electronics supply the high-voltage components with electri-
cal energy, current flows through the high-voltage cables.
Before the switch contactors of the high-voltage battery are
opened, the power electronics drive all the high-voltage consumers
to assume a state in which they are unable to accept more current.
In terms of the circuitry this state is equivalent to having no con-
sumers connected to the high-voltage electrical system.
The electrical machines could still generate a hazardous voltage in
the high-voltage electrical system, even if the switch contactors of
the high-voltage battery have already opened. If the electrical
machines were still rotating a voltage would be induced in their
coils. This voltage would be applied to the high-voltage cables and
depending on the speed of the electrical machines it could be of a
level that would constitute a touch-contact hazard. To prevent this
from occurring the coils of the electrical machines are short-circuit-
ed once the switch contactors of the high-voltage battery have
opened.
Safe working practices > Engineered safety measures > Discharge of the high voltage circuit
What happens and in which sequence does it happen, when the high voltage system automtically shuts down?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
39
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84
Galvanic Separation Between HV and LV System

In hybrid vehicles the high-voltage electrical system and the 12 V
vehicle electrical system are interconnected by a DC/DC converter.
In this way it is possible for example to charge the 12-V battery
using energy from the high-voltage electrical system. This means
that a 12-V generator is no longer necessary.
Despite the obvious advantages of this "energy-transfer" connec-
tion between the two vehicle electrical systems, safeguards have to
be in place to ensure that hazardous voltage from the high-voltage
electrical system cannot be transferred to the 12-V system. If this
were not the case the 12 V vehicle electrical system would be sub-
ject to application of the same rules for electrical safety as apply to
the high-voltage electrical system with regard to preparation for and
work on the high-voltage electrics.
The 12 V vehicle electrical system and the high-voltage electrical
system are galvanically separated, in other words there is no con-
ductive connection between the two systems. This is accom-
plished by suitably insulating all the components and wiring. The
DC/DC converter requires a circuit that ensures galvanic separation
while sustaining the energy-transfer capability.
A circuit such as a transformer circuit is suitable in this respect.
Energy cannot be transferred between two DC networks by a
transformer, so the direct current voltages have to be transformed
into AC voltages and vice versa.
Safe working practices > Engineered safety measures > Galvanic separation of high voltage system and 12 V system
There is an energy flow between the high voltage system and the 12 V system. But by which component is the galvanic separation implemented?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Take a look at the grounding of the 12 V system. Is there a chassis ground connection at the high voltage system? What are the consequences?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
40
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Short-circuit Monitoring High-amperage safety fuses and electronic overcurrent trip break-
Short circuits in the high-voltage electrical system, for example ers are used. To reduce the response time in the event of a short
between the two high-voltage battery cables would lead to very circuit, current is electronically monitored by current sensors in the
high short-circuit currents. The reasons for this are: battery cables.
High-voltage If the control unit of the high-voltage battery unit detects an imper-
missibly high current, it triggers opening of the contacts of the
Low internal resistance of the high-voltage battery switch contactor in the high-voltage battery. The switch contacts
Low resistance of the high-voltage cables. are designed to open reliably even despite the high currents that
occur in a short-circuit event.
The consequences of these very high short-circuit currents would
be severe. They range from arcing through irreparable damage to The downside of this design, however, is that the switch contacts
high-voltage cables or the high-voltage battery to fire. In order to are corresponding short-lived. Electronic short-circuit monitoring
avoid consequences of this nature, technical measures for the reduces response time with regard to conventional safety fuses,
detection of a short circuit are engineered into the high-voltage particularly when the currents involved are high.
electrical systems of hybrid vehicles. As a general rule, these
measures are integrated into the high-voltage battery.
Safe working practices > Engineered safety measures > Short circuit monitoring
Why do we need a short circuit monitoring of the high voltage How does the short circuit monitoring work?
system?
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
42
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88
Shutdown in the Event of an Accident The power electronics uses the 12-V cable interrupted by the bat-
If the vehicle is involved in an accident the high-voltage cables tery safety terminal as a signal input for active discharge of the
below the floor could be sheared off and this could cause sparking high-voltage circuit. Interruption of this cable triggers the control
or arcing, if the bottom of the vehicle comes into contact with unit of the power electronics to:
sharp-edged obstacles (e.g. crash barriers).
short-circuit the coils of the electrical machines
In order to minimize this risk the high-voltage system is deactivated
initiate active discharge of the capacitors.
in the event of an accident. In all current BMW vehicles and there-
fore in the BMW ActiveHybrid models as well, accident detection Triggering of the battery safety terminal is a signal in response to
and the co-ordination of the safety systems are handled by the which the high-voltage system is shut down in the event of a crash.
Crash Safety Module (ACSM). The Crash Safety Module's bus telegrams are also processed: as
soon as the Crash Safety Module signals a crash of corresponding
If the Crash Safety Module detects a crash of corresponding sever- severity by means of a bus telegram, the high-voltage system is
ity, the 12-V battery's positive lead (BST) is pyrotechnically discon- shut down.
nected from the positive battery connection point. Along with the
positive battery cable, in these vehicles the battery safety terminal These engineered-safety measures suffice to ensure that the high-
interrupts another 12-V conductor. This conductor is used in two voltage system is shut down reliably and in a very short space of
different ways to shut down the high-voltage system in hybrids: time in the event of a crash. This virtually excludes the possibility of
high-voltages presenting hazards in the course of or subsequent to
1. Opening the switch contactors in the high-voltage battery a crash.
2. Active discharge of the high-voltage circuit. Nevertheless, it is important to bear in mind that special care
The switch contactor contacts are opened without additional action always has to exercised when dealing with high-voltage compo-
on the part of the control unit in the high-voltage battery unit. The nents if the component housings have been damaged in a crash.
supply voltage for the electromagnet of the electromechanical In case of doubt, always contact BMW Group's Technical Support
switch contactor in the high-voltage battery unit receives its operat- (PUMA).
ing power directly from the BST circuit. If the supply voltage drops
out, the contacts of the switch contactor automatically open.
Safe
Safewworking
orking pr
practices
actices
ces > Engineer
Engineered
ed safety
safety
y measur
measures
es > Automatic
Automatic
c shutdown
shutdown in case off an
a accident
Why is it important
important that
at the high voltage system
m shuts
shuts down autom
automatically
atically
ally in case of an accident?
t?
______________________________________________
_ __________________________________________________
_ ______________________
__
__________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____
How is the shutdown triggered? How is the shutdown

hutdown carried out?
______________________________________________
_ __________________________________________________
_ ______________________
__
__________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____
__________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________
___________________________________________________________
43
89

BMW 01 - Principles of Hybrid Technology

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Table of Contents

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Initial Print Date: 10/09 Revision Date: 11/09

Battery Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Model: Generic Hybrid Vehicles

After completion of this module you will be able to:

Understand the philosophy of BMW EfficientDynamics

Identify the different methods of classifying hybrids

Identify the components of a hybrid system

Explain the characteristic batteries used in high-voltage systems

Successfully de-energize a high-voltage system

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Principles of Hybrid Technology.

Note the reasons:

Note the elements of BMW EfficientDynamics strategy:

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Principles of Hybrid Technology.

Which off the following

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Classification of Hybrids by Power Rating Mild Hybrid

Write the missing data.

Micro-hybrid 2 to 3 kW 12 V Less than 10%

Full-hybrid More than 20%

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Draw in the components

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Draw in the com

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Power-split Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid

Draw in the com

Principles of Hybrid Technology

What are the driving situations of a full-hybrid vehicle?

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

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_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

_______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ _______________________

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Energy Storage Devices Physical Principles of Chemical Storage

2 Electrolyte 4 Positive electrode energy source. Technically a AA battery is a galvanic cell.

What is the difference between a galvanic cell and a battery?

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Energy Density and Power Density of a Battery

4 Nickel metal hydride battery

x Energy density in Wh/kg

y Power density in W/kg

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Principles of Hybrid Technology

Lithium-ion Battery (Li-ion battery) barrier to molecules in the electrolyte.

2 Housing with electrolyte _______________________________________________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________

___________ _ _ _ _____________