Quantum and SBE Launched Next Generation Hybrid Electric Drive Systems Together

Published:2011/12/28 1:26:00 Author:Phyllis From:SeekIC

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. is a leader in the development and production of advanced propulsion systems, energy storage technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. Quantum’s portfolio of technologies includes electronic controls, hybrid electric drive systems, natural gas and hydrogen storage and metering systems and alternative fuel technologies that enable fuel efficient, low emission hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric, fuel cell, and natural gas vehicles. Quantum’s powertrain engineering, system integration, vehicle manufacturing, and assembly capabilities provide fast-to-market solutions to support the production of hybrid and plug-in hybrid, hydrogen-powered hybrid, fuel cell, natural gas fuel, and specialty vehicles, as well as modular, transportable hydrogen refueling stations.

SBE, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of film capacitor solutions that provide a much higher degree of reliability, higher power density, and simpler cooling infrastructure in demanding applications, particularly for automotive/transportation, alternative energy, utilities, power supplies/laser and military/aerospace. Originally a Sprague Electric Plant, SBE has been manufacturing capacitors for over 50 years; producing over a billion capacitors, including the renowned Orange Drop®. With the newer development of its DC Link Power Ring Film Capacitor™, SBE, Inc. was recently awarded a $9.1 Million grant by the Department of Energy to build a world class facility for the manufacture of this line of capacitors used in drivetrain inverters for plug-in hybrid and electric drive vehicles.

Recently, the two companies announced a technology partnership. SBE is providing a novel integrated capacitor/bus structure design solution for Quantum power electronics for automotive applications. Quantum continues to optimize and improve the efficiencies of its advanced electric drive-train products.

The SBE integrated capacitor/bus structure is expected to enable substantial packaging and performance advantages in our next generation electric and hybrid-electric drive systems. The SBE integrated module is an innovative approach which offers many benefits such as higher performance, weight reduction, smaller packaging and total system cost savings.

Quantum Technologies is one of the first implementers of SBE’s advanced integrated capacitor/bus designs. As electrification of the automobile has successfully reached the technical feasibility stage today, cost improvements are needed to reach the commercial viability stage for mass market acceptance. Cost must be attacked everywhere. The SBE power ring capacitor technology is a major enabler for power electronics design simplification, up-integration, and higher temperature operation to significantly drive down the cost while improving performance.

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