Eaton has introduced a new battery disconnect unit (BDU) for EVs that acts as an on/off switch to the battery for different EV operating modes such as charging and driving.

The BDU can be linked to Eaton’s Breaktor circuit protection technology, which provides current switching and resettable bidirectional short-circuit protection. The company says, “Eaton’s Breaktor circuit protection technology enables up to 350 kW DC fast charging when used to protect and switch the DC fast-charge circuit, allowing EVs to charge in 15 minutes or less.”

“Our Breaktor circuit protection technology’s self-triggering design, diagnostic electronics and mirror contact help achieve BDU functional safety goals,” said Global Product Strategy Manager for Eaton’s eMobility business Kevin Calzada. “With its integrated coil driver, economizer, and the sensing/triggering circuit, Breaktor circuit protection technology also reduces battery management system cost and complexity.”

According to Eaton, “Current EVs rely on one of three traditional BDU configurations: fuse and contactor; pyro fuse and contactor; or fuse, pyro fuse and contactor all used together in a single BDU.” The company says a BDU linked with Breaktor tech reduces the need for up to 15 components, including pyro and thermal fuses as well as contactors.

“Our BDU combined with our Breaktor circuit protection technology provides everything needed, in a compact and efficient package, to protect the vehicle and occupants,” said Calzada.

Source: Eaton