Your Path to Better Energy Efficiency: Current Mapping
Figure 1 Current Mapping: analyze your electrical system
Current Mapping for Vehicle Efficiency
Drivetrain and battery efficiency are in the focus of automotive engineers but there is more you can do. Optimizing the overall energy efficiency of all electrical systems is a highly effective approach to increase reach and reduce the number of charging intervals. But this is a challenge for all engineers: where to start? Understand your energy consumption and eliminate inefficiencies with current mapping.
Current mapping refers to the detailed recording and analysis of current flow across the great number electrical consumers within the vehicle from assistance systems to the multimedia system. Effective current mapping is essential for improving the electrical system performance in complex systems like modern EVs and ICE vehicles as it helps identify patterns, potential overloads, and energy-saving opportunities.
Figure 2 Size does matter: ultra-compact sensors make measurements easy
High Precision Current Logging. Ultra Compact
HIOKI has designed an innovative multi-channel current measurement solution specifically for development and evaluation teams in the automotive sector. It allows for the precise measurement and logging of even the smallest currents in the vehicle’s electrical systems. Easy-to-install ultra-compact current sensors and wireless data transfer allow for flexible installation in confined spaces. This setup provides engineers with valuable data that helps them significantly improve energy efficiency, which ultimately leads to enhanced performance and extended driving range of vehicles.
Highly Accurate Current Measurement
Accurate current measurement of all consumers in automotive electrical systems requires sensors with very high precision even for low currents. HIOKI’s new AC/DC zero flux current sensors CT7812 (2 A) and CT7822 (20 A) allow engineers to measure currents with an impressive accuracy of ±0.3 percent. With this high precision and a minimum resolution of 0.1 mA, development engineers can retrieve accurate consumption data of low currents, allowing them to optimize energy consumption, contributing to extend operating times and increase the driving range of EVs.
Ultra-Compact Sensors for the Narrowest Spaces
Measuring built-in current consumers is challenging in vehicles due to confined spaces, which limit both the placement and operation of measurement equipment. With a total length of only 7.65 cm and a sliding mechanism the new ultra-compact sensors can be easily connected to consumers – even with one hand. This enables precise probing even in tight spaces such as engine compartments, enclosures, fuse boxes and they even work under extreme temperatures.
Figure 3 Measuring with precision, reliability and convenience
From Alaska to the Sahara: Reliable Long-Term Logging
The sensors' fluxgate technology offers reliable temperature compensation, ensuring stable measurements even under varying temperature conditions, ranging from -40° C to +85° C. This reliability is crucial for long-term measurement accuracy in automotive applications.
Getting the whole picture: 55 Measurement channels with one set up
For effective and precise current mapping, the system the system consisting of the Data Logger LR8450-01 and the new current modules LR8536 and U8556 provides up to 55 current measurement channels. This allows simultaneous measurement of multiple current consumers in complex electrical systems such as EVs, trucks, construction vehicles, or agricultural machinery. The instrument is not limited to current measurement though. The versatile data logger is a mix & match system that can log signals like temperature, strain, vibration, humidity, resistance, voltage, CAN signals and many more. With up to 330 channels, engineers can comprehensively summarize all parameters of their devices under test (DUT) in one instrument.
Wireless Connection for Enhanced Flexibility
Another highlight of HIOKI's multi-channel current measurement solution is the flexibility of a wireless connection. The LR8450-01 is the first data logger to use wireless modules. Separating the main unit from the measurement modules and sensors allows for more flexibility as the logger can be kept on the seat or even outside the vehicle while measurements at various locations are executed. This feature saves time and provides development teams with more flexibility in their setups.
Figure 4 55 channel data management in one system
Get the Most from Your System
There is always room for more gains of efficiency for both EVs and ICE vehicles. It is essential to know where these gains can be won and to what extent. Precise measurement of current consumers in automotive systems allows to make the right conclusions to optimize energy efficiency and enhance performance. The multi-channel data logging system LR8450 with compact sensors specifically developed for use in the automotive industry is an effective tool to get the job done.
