Alternative electrical distribution system architectures for automobiles

Abstract

Absdmct-At present most automobiles use a 12V electrical system with point-to-point wiring. The capability of this architecture in meeting the needs of future electrical loads is questionable. Furthermore, with the development of electric vehicles (EVs) there is a greater need for a better architecture. In this paper we outline the limitations of the conventional architecture and identify alternatives. We also present a multi-attribute trade-off methodology which compares these alternatives, and identifies a set of Pa7.eto optimal architectures. The system attributes traded off are cost, weight, losses and probability of failure. These are calculated by a computer program that has built-in component attribute models. System attributes of a few dozen architectures are also reported and the results analyzed.

Implementation and Experimental Verification of Smart Junction Box for Low-Voltage Automotive Electronics in Electric Vehicles

“…However, as the complexity of the wiring harnesses in vehicles increased with the addition of more components and joints, simple fuse relay boxes became increasingly inadequate as they require labor-intensive assembly. This was addressed by developing junction boxes that could contain more joints while enabling stacking and compactness [8][9][10]. Then, as the number of circuits in automotive wiring harnesses continued to increase along with the complexity of the control unit(s), junction boxes (JBs) were further enhanced to improve the function of the wiring harness by reducing the number of redundant power and signal lines and integrating the mounted components [11][12][13].…”