Researchers from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration have developed technology to help minimize interference between electrical signals emitted by the electric vehicles and incoming radio signals.
Dr. Eckart Hoene and the Fraunhofer team applied calculations based on the operation of the major components of electric vehicles, to create a computerized simulation of the whole electrical system found within a typical electric car. Using this model, engineers can virtually try out different placements of parts, in order to determine what offers the least electromechanical interference.
If interference does occur with a particular layout, the model can identify its point of origin, also indicating how it will spread.
The frequency converter poses a particular challenge to decent radio reception. This device converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, controlling both the speed and rotational direction of the motor. To do this, the converter rapidly switches the current on and off – this process creates electromagnetic interference, which in severe cases can actually be heard over the car radio.
Hoene’s team has addressed this problem by designing a new type of symmetrical power module that eliminates the interference.
