Available in one- to four-pole constructions for circuit protection up to 1000V DC, with current ratings from 0.5A to 63A, the robust devices provide the most efficient short circuit and overload protection available, affording end-users significant cost, space, and time savings.  They are UL 489B listed for photovoltaic renewable energy system applications. Additional target applications include EV charging stations, energy transmission and distribution networks, and industrial control, such as powering the large motors used in robotics, automation, and material conveyance installations.

With available shorting link variations connecting up to four poles in a series, end users can get 500V, 750V, and 1000V DC ratings of protection from a device pre-wired at the factory, rather than having to perform time-intensive wiring in the field.  Space and cost savings can also be realized, for example, when 150V DC of protection is needed, it can be accomplished with a one-pole control DC MCB, rather than the two-pole variety required from other control device manufacturers.  Additionally, in many energy storage applications requiring more than 125V DC of protection, the new c3 devices will provide a lower cost and space-saving alternative to the larger and more expensive fuses or molded case circuit breakers that were previously the best available.

Additional features of the new c3controls DC MCBs:  Full-range Protection: Available in one-, two-, three-, and four-pole constructions, C or D trip curves, and include both magnetic and thermal elements for overload and short circuit protection;

Short Circuit Current Rating: 10kA short circuit current rating on all constructions — the highest interruption rating in the market for DC MCBs; UL Listed: UL Listed per UL 489B, the standard for DC photovoltaic systems and is compliant to the RoHS directives; Compact, Easy to Install: 17.5mm width per pole construction reduces panel size and mounts onto 35mm DIN rail.

To order a free sample call 724-775-7926 or visit: www.c3controls.com/samples.

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Li-ion batteries can get hot, which can cause failures or worse in the products they power. Thus, it’s important to monitor their temperature and act before damage occurs. You can monitor temperature with a set of thermocouples, scan them, and write software to produce an action when the temperature exceeds a limit.

Littelfuse has a simpler way, so long as you need just one temperature limit: TTape.

TTape is a strip of ten temperature sensors that you attach to battery packs in EVs, commercial vehicles, and energy-storage systems. The sensors are essentially a series of ten temperature-sensitive switches. When any of the sensors detect an over-temperature condition of 61°C, that sensor will enter a high-impedance state. An external pull-up resistor raises the logic-level voltage that you can use to trigger an action. Hysteresis keeps the switch open until the temperature drops to 55°C. The schematic and voltage plot show how the sensors work. According to Littelfuse, the fixed temperature supports most cell systems for use in degradation management and thermal-runaway protection. The company says that other temperature threshholds will be available later in 2024.

Because the TTape uses a simple single-wire pair and provides a binary output, it doesn’t detect which cell overheated. It can, however, wake up a microcontroller to act when overheating occurs. The TTape’s sensors can break the circuit in less than 1 sec after an over-temperature condition occurs.

The TTape, which attaches to battery packs with an adhesive backing, measures 337 mm in length.

The TTape operates at voltages from V_DD = 3.3 V to 5.5 V with a 200 kΩ (±5%) pull-up resistor. Note: As of this writing, the datasheet also lists a V_DD = 2.5 V to 3.3 V range with a 100 kΩpull-up resistor. EE World pointed that out to Littelfuse. The company will remove that range from the datasheet.

The post TTape: A simple way to monitor Li-ion battery-pack temperature appeared first on Power Electronic Tips.

The new Model SW mini-breaker complements Bourns’ latest Model SD Series with features and functionality that meet lower current protection application requirements. It offers a trip temperature setting of 70 °C ±5 °C, with maximum resistance values of 5 mΩ. For wireless charging applications, this mini-breaker model can operate up to 100 V peak (AC 128 kHz). Manufactured using Bourns’ highest-rated corrosion-resistant bimetal mechanism, this mini-breaker model is also designed to withstand humid environments.

Bourns Model SW mini-breaker device is available now and is RoHS* compliant.

The post Surface-mount low-current circuit breaker doubles as a thermal cutoff appeared first on Power Electronic Tips.