What is an EV sensor?
A、 Understand automotive sensors
Automotive sensors are one of the essential components of advanced automobiles. It is an electronic system that can monitor various parameters (temperature, coolant system, etc.), faults, and obstacles, issue warnings to the driver, and send signals to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) for appropriate adjustments.
B、 What are the sensors in electric vehicles?
In the coming year, with the advancement of technology, the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) will continue to accelerate rapidly. According to the International Energy Agency, global electric vehicle sales exceeded 10 million units in 2022. It is undeniable that electric vehicles support us in moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle and reducing carbon emissions. Like traditional cars, electric vehicle sensors are also key components for controlling electric vehicle systems, ensuring safety and performance. However, as the energy source of electric vehicles comes from the battery system, the sensors of electric vehicles also change accordingly.
| Position sensor | Current sensor | Voltage sensor | Temperature sensor | Assisted autonomous driving sensor |
| Collect mechanical motion data of traction motors to ensure coordinated operation of the system. After recording the angular position data, the motor controller or motor control unit (MCU) converts it into electrical pulses to initiate the feedback loop | Measure voltage in multiple ways, from measuring high voltage to detecting low current levels, to ensure that the insulation of the battery pack and each battery is not damaged. | Temperature sensors are of great significance in electric vehicles, ensuring passengers are safer and more comfortable throughout their journey. Elaplus is committed to researching and improving overall solutions specifically for temperature sensors in electric vehicles | In the battery system, it is directly installed in the battery cells, providing accurate temperature measurement and adjusting the heating and cooling processes to ensure that each battery cell operates within a safe range. | The assisted autonomous driving system involves radar, LiDAR, cameras, sonar, etc., aiming to perceive the surrounding environment in real time, provide accurate distance, speed, position, and obstacle detection, and achieve automated driving decision-making and safety control. |
| *Motor control position *Motor control position *Motor control speed | *Car charger current sensor *DC/DC current sensor *Battery management current sensor | *Traction motor current sensor *Motor current sensor – Transmission current sensor *Car charger voltage sensor *DC/DC voltage sensor – Battery management voltage sensor | *Car charger temperature sensor *DC/DC temperature sensor *Battery management temperature sensor *Traction motor temperature sensor | *Radar sensor *Radar sensor *Sonar *Camera |
Common questions about electric vehicle sensors
A、 How do sensors contribute to the battery management system (BMS) of electric vehicles?
Sensors play a crucial role in the battery management system (BMS) of electric vehicles, providing important data for monitoring and controlling the health, performance, and safety of batteries. The importance of sensors is as follows:
-Voltage and current monitoring: Sensors measure the voltage and current levels of individual batteries or modules. These data help balance the power between batteries, prevent overcharging or undercharging, and optimize battery performance and lifespan.
-Temperature sensing: Sensors monitor the temperature of the battery pack to ensure it operates within a safe range. High temperature will reduce the performance of the battery, while low temperature will decrease the efficiency and power output of the battery. Temperature sensors help with thermal management and prevent battery overheating or freezing.
Charging status estimation: Sensors estimate the charging status, indicating the remaining capacity or energy level of the battery. SoC information is crucial for accurately predicting vehicle mileage and managing energy consumption.
-Health status monitoring: Sensors evaluate the health status of batteries by analyzing their degradation over time. By monitoring parameters such as internal resistance and capacity loss, sensors help identify battery degradation and arrange maintenance or replacement.
B、 What is the difference between regular sensors and electric vehicle sensors?
Like traditional cars, electric vehicle sensors are also key components for controlling electric vehicle systems, ensuring safety and performance. However, due to the fact that the energy source of electric vehicles comes from the battery system, electric vehicle sensors have also undergone corresponding changes.
Usually, in electric vehicles, besides position and speed sensors, there are three common types: one is used for temperature, the second is used for measuring voltage, and the third is used for measuring current. Among them, temperature sensors are more important. In traditional vehicles, it is used to measure the temperature of the engine (fuel, intake, and cooling systems), while in electric vehicles, it can help eliminate catastrophic events such as battery explosions, motor overheating, power component failures, and fires under harsh conditions. The two common temperature sensors are:
✔ Battery temperature sensor: The battery temperature sensor is the core of electric vehicles, as the temperature of the battery can be affected by faults in the circuit connected to it.
✔ Motor controller temperature sensor: The motor controller temperature sensor is an essential component for extending the lifespan of electric vehicles.
C、 How do sensors promote the overall safety of electric vehicles?
Integrated sensors in electric vehicle battery packs and other systems can help car owners monitor power, measure driving range, and battery life. Intelligent energy management systems can ensure that vehicles have sufficient energy to reach their destination, even under harsh conditions.
Sensors that monitor the energy intake of the battery pack and the energy consumed by the vehicle during charging are crucial for maintaining consistent performance. Fast charging is a highly desirable attribute for electric vehicles and also requires sensor monitoring, as it can cause overheating in rare cases. Designing sensors for managing various systems, from HVAC to regenerative braking, is the key to maximizing the performance of electric vehicles without any worries.
Lidar sensors and radar sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of vehicle operation. The laser radar sensor provides environmental information and generates 3D maps, enabling the auto drive system to identify and avoid obstacles and maintain a safe distance. On the other hand, radar sensors measure the speed and distance of surrounding objects, supporting functions such as automatic distance control and brake assist, thereby minimizing collision risks and improving overall safety during vehicle operation.
conclusion
In summary, the exploration of electric vehicle sensors highlights their crucial role in improving the performance, safety, and efficiency of electric vehicles. Yilian’s material and component solutions stand out due to their integration of advanced sensor technology, providing higher accuracy and reliability in monitoring various aspects of electric vehicle operation. With the continuous development of electric vehicles, the seamless synergy between electric vehicle sensors and Yilian solutions is expected to drive further progress and propel the industry towards a more sustainable and intelligent future.
Tags: Sensor · Position Sensor · Automotive Sensor · Temperature Sensor · Electric Vehicle Sensor · Window Button Adhesive Application · Radar Sensor
Elaplus solution for common electric vehicle sensors
