As part the BATSS consortium continues to push the boundaries of next generation battery technology, another major milestone has been achieved: the development of the project’s Silicon Carbide (SiC) based power switch. Integrated within the new battery junction box, this component‑ delivers fast, reliable protection and intelligent energy management, essential capabilities for high performance‑ battery systems.
The prototype marks a significant step towards more compact, efficient, and responsive electrical architectures, complementing the earlier progress made in advanced battery control and modular system design.
The challenge: protection and reliable power handling
Battery systems must be able to react instantly to electrical faults or abnormal operating conditions. Traditional switching devices, such as mechanical contactors, can be limited by slower response times, wear over repeated use, and the generation of noise or interference.
As battery technologies advance and are applied in more demanding environments, the need for fast, precise, and durable power-switching components becomes increasingly important.
The innovation: a SiC based power switch
The BATSS SiC based power switch replaces mechanical components with a solid state design, significantly improving responsiveness and reliability. Key advantages of this approach include:
- Ultra‑fast switching, enabling rapid disconnection in the event of a short circuit.
- Increased durability, thanks to the absence of mechanical parts.
- Compact design, supporting higher energy density and more efficient system packaging.
- Lower noise and reduced interference, improving integration with sensitive electronics.
Beyond fast switching, the power switch incorporates several additional functions that contribute to system intelligence and safety. These include continuous monitoring of voltage and current, insulation checks, internal diagnostics, temperature monitoring, and communication with the main battery controller.
The component also manages the precharge process, which prepares the system for operation without exposing it to sudden current surges. Thanks to its fast-switching capability, the BATSS design enables a more controlled and efficient precharge sequence compared with traditional resistor based approaches.
The impact: enhanced safety, efficiency, and system control
The introduction of SiC technology delivers clear advantages across the entire battery system. Faster reaction to faults improves safety, while greater thermal and electrical efficiency supports long term reliability.
By combining multiple protective and diagnostic functions within a compact architecture, the power switch enhances overall system transparency and contributes to more intelligent battery control. This aligns with Europe’s strategy for safer, more sustainable, and higher performing energy storage technologies.
As part of the wider project, the switch also supports the functionality of the BATSS bidirectional DC/DC converter, enabling more advanced energy distribution between battery modules and contributing to improved system level efficiency.
Next steps
With the SiC based power switch prototype developed and validated through an extensive testing programme, the next phase focuses on integration within downscaled and full scale system demonstrators. This will allow partners to refine performance, optimise interactions with other components, and prepare the architecture for final validation in realistic operating environments.
Stay tuned! This is the second article of the BATSS results series; take a look at the previous BATSS results article, while more will come soon!
