Onboard energy generation and management systems
Advanced control of onboard electricity
Our technologies supply electricity to the onboard systems of the vehicle and control the bidirectional distribution of electricity in both high and low voltage, from the vehicle to the outside and vice versa.
SAPA’s electric power generation and management system consists of an electric machine, an AC/DC inverter, a DC/DC converter, an export module, and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
SAPA has integrated its system into the Spanish Army’s 8×8 Dragón VCR, providing electricity to all systems with a power output of up to 75 kW. This system allows for vehicle growth, enabling the vehicle to incorporate more systems in the future during its service life.
SAPA’s various auxiliary power units, equipped with low voltage generators and high power density internal combustion engines, allow the use of vehicle systems without needing to start the main engine.
Our systems are specifically designed to provide electricity and power the auxiliary systems in military vehicles, increasing their autonomy, improving availability, and reducing both acoustic and thermal footprints. Additionally, by reducing the use of the main engine, its service life is extended.
Each Auxiliary Power Unit is custom-designed for specific applications, using high-efficiency generators developed entirely by SAPA.
16 kW auxiliary power unit
“SAPA designs and develops its own high-efficiency converters to manage the high and low voltage electricity demands of various subsystems integrated into different platforms. These converters are compatible with all types of batteries (lead, AGM, lithium-ion, etc.).
To achieve high reliability and availability, SAPA’s converters feature a modular architecture in stages, with 3.4 kW modules operating in parallel, enhancing system safety. The maximum charging power can handle steps up to 20.4 kW.
For high voltage management, our systems use silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, which improve switching frequencies and provide high thermal capacity, making them suitable for placement in the engine compartment.”
DC/DC converter 20.4 kW.
Our system’s export module is responsible for the bidirectional conversion of electricity between 700 Vdc and 400/230 Vrms sine wave. This module allows the import and export of energy from the vehicle to external systems. Its export capacity is designed for 69kVA.
Essentially, it comprises a DC/AC converter employing silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors, which enhance its switching capacity and thermal capacity.
Its export capability enables the vehicles equipped with it to be used as a ‘mobile power plant’ to supply power to external equipment and systems such as camps, command posts, and communication equipment.
Export Module
“SAPA designs and develops electric machines of up to 160 kW, made from synchronous reluctance permanent magnets.
These machines are distinguished by their high efficiency (over 90%) and high power density. Additionally, their compact design allows installation in confined spaces, including the engine compartment, due to their thermal resistance.
They can be used both as electric motors and generators.
Currently, SAPA is working on developing electric machines integrated into electric propulsion axles (e-axles) of up to 200 kW, intended to power last-mile fully electric trucks and buses.”
75kW electric machine.
The AC/DC inverter, as a component of SAPA’s power generation systems, is responsible for controlling the electric machine, minimizing its losses.
In generator mode, the AC/DC inverter converts the alternating voltage of the electric machine. When the main engine is off, it converts the direct current generated by the auxiliary power units or batteries to supply power to the various systems.
Thanks to the export module, the AC/DC inverter can power systems from an external electric source to the vehicle in which it is installed.
AC/DC Inverter
CATALOGUE
Onboard energy generation and management systems
