Epec Releases New Power Distribution Unit

Epec Oy has introduced a Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for electric powertrain traction applications in mobile equipment. The Epec PDU was developed for heavy-duty off-highway machines and commercial vehicles. It distributes and connects components such as batteries and motors through inverters and other components reliably and safely, said the company, and also secures traction voltage cables in overload situations.

“Scalability and versatility have been key drivers when developing the PDU,” said Jyri Kylä-Kaila, managing director, Epec Oy. “The flexibility of the product enables freedom for OEM’s to select the optimal powertrain system components considering lifetime, performance and cost. The product is designed to be integrated and be a part of the complete vehicle system and the PDU can be adapted to many different vehicle architectures to safely connect vehicle electric powertrain components together. The product has an open programming interface and supports SAE J1939 and CANopen protocols. PDU seamlessly integrates to Epec or third party-control systems.”

The power range is from 100 to 350 kW, and with traction voltage from 500 to 1000v. It has built-in advanced thermal management up to 1000 kW. It is designed to be part of the machine safety level up to PL-d. Safety of the high-voltage circuit is a key element, said the company, and the PDU complies with vehicle standards on electric safety. Additionally, integrated insulation monitoring system can be used for full electric powertrain electric safety monitoring and alarming from cable or component failure event or accidents. The product complies to harsh environmental requirements according to ISO16750.

The Epec product can be used as a starting point for original equipment manufacturer (OEM)’s tailor-made PDU.

The company said the release of the PDU widens its offering in electromobility business and increases its capabilities to support OEMs with their electric powertrain system development work.

A technology company that is part of forestry equipment specialist Ponsse Group, Epec Oy is a supplier of electronics for a wide range of non-road mobile machines and commercial vehicles. Its electronics factory located in in Seinäjoki, Finland.