BMS Integration
The VCU200 with a supported BMS provides users with the ability to request torque deratings based on battery pack discharge, pack high temp, pack low temp, cell voltage min, cell voltage max, pack state of charge % (SOC) and overall pack voltage. BMS integration also allows for inverter pre-charge using measured battery pack voltage as a reference. The VCU200 currently supports the Orion BMS and AEM EV BMS, which is slated for release in early Q4.
Start Safe and Drive Mode Safety Features
Fundamental safety features are integrated. Start Safe is a series of safety checks performed by the VCU before a drive mode is selected. Should a fault occur, this can be identified via a CAN message to a CD Carbon dash display.
To prohibit runaway, the VCU will not allow a Drive Mode to be selected unless the brake pedal is engaged, or if a charge plug is connected to the charge port.
Programmable Creep and Reverse Modes
The VCU200 has a user-selectable creep mode that allows the vehicle to “creep” forward slowly after releasing the brake from a stop without applying the accelerator pedal, similar to how an ICE vehicle with an automatic transmission operates. Reverse mode is also programmable for delivering the perfect pedal feel and response when backing up.
Programmable Regenerative Braking
Do you like aggressive regen and never touching the brakes on decel, or do you want to regen but don’t want to feel the motor ‘dragging’ the speed down? With the VCU200, users can custom tailor this feature to achieve the perfect balance of feel and regen. A dedicated map for regenerative braking is included in AEMcal software for the VCU200.
Customized Torque Delivery
An electric motor’s capability to make large amounts of torque in less than one motor shaft revolution can result in undesired roughness on acceleration. To combat this, the VCU has a user-adjustable torque request rate of change limiters for both increasing and decreasing torque requests. This allows for fine-tuning of the torque delivery rate and ensures the torque management provides a smooth driving feel.
Selectable Performance Levels
The VCU provides calibrators with up to four different performance levels. For street conversions, users can set levels based on who will be driving the vehicle, and for motorsports applications, it delivers on-the-fly adjustments to ensure maximum traction for varying track conditions.
Motor Rev Limiting
The VCU200 includes a rev limiter to prevent the motor from over-speeding and/or to limit the speed of a vehicle.
Inverter Current Limiting
Multiple levels of current limiting are available. From simple ramp limits that engage when the inverter current exceeds a predefined limit to fully modeled power limiting that considers everything from individual cell voltages to total pack resistance to motor and inverter efficiency.
Cooling System Controls
The VCU200 supports 3 different main thermal management configurations with options for different types of coolant pumps and cooling fan controls. Pumps and fans may be powered by VCU triggered relays, or optionally with AEM PDU-8s. The VCU will support single-coolant pump/drive system cooling, single-coolant pump, drive and battery system cooling, and dual coolant pumps with independent drive system and battery cooling loops.
