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Precharge, what is it, why do I need it, how do I do it.

148K views 59 replies 29 participants last post by  Rayco 
#1 · (Edited)
The PWM motor controllers common in EVs have a sizable bank of capacitors on their input. When you apply a Voltage across a capacitor it initially appears to be a short-circuit, that is, the Voltage across the capacitor is zero. If there is very little resistance in the circuit, e.g. a closing contactor with no precharge, then the current will be very high. Nearly all of the traction pack voltage will be across the closing contacts. The large Voltage difference and sudden high current (known as an inrush current) can cause damage to, and in extreme cases, welding of the relay contacts. Also of concern to some is the stress on the controllers electrical components caused by the inrush current.
{see Contactor with no precharge.}

This can all be prevented by the use of a precharge resistor across the contacts of the main power relay. The precharge resistor allows the capacitors in the controller to slowly charge BEFORE the contactor closes. This means that there is less voltage across the closing contacts and little or no inrush current.
{see Contactor with precharge}


The problem with having a precharge resistor across the contactor is, there is high Voltage on the controller terminals even when the car is turned off. This is because the capacitors remain charged all of the time.
I've heard it argued that keeping the caps charged all of the time keeps them 'fully formed' and thus, extends their life. While this is technically true, it is not really an issue with modern capacitors. Unless you plan on putting your controller in storage for years, the capacitors will likely outlast their associated active components (transistors and diodes) whether you keep them fully formed or not.

Many DIY'ers add some sort of power switch, circuit breaker or disconnect to remove the high Voltage from the controller when the car is parked.
{see WithPowerSwitch}

This solves the 'high Voltage on the controller' problem BUT introduces a new wrinkle. You must now turn things on in the correct order or you will defeat the purpose of the precharge resistor.
For example, if you first turn on the contactor and then close the power switch there will be no precharge. You will have reintroduced the high Voltage/large inrush current problem.
In this case, you must first close the power switch, wait an appropriate precharge delay period, then close the contactor.


If a precharge switch is added in series with the precharge resistor it can be used to turn the high Voltage on without switching a large current flow, as is done with the contactor or power switch.
{see WithPrechargeSwitch}

In this configuration the power switch becomes an emergency disconnect that is normally left on. The precharge switch is turned on first and then, after a delay, the contactor closes.

This is different than the previous design because now the "on switch" (the precharge switch) can be a relatively small relay and the turn-on sequence can be easily automated to avoid closing the contactor before precharge.


Here is how I did it. I have a Step-Start device that turns on the precharge relay when the start signal is received (the ignition key is turned to the START position). After a time delay the contactor is turned on.
{see StepStart}


There are additional safety and convenience features of the Step-Start Device, but the basic function is to make sure that the precharge relay is always turned on BEFORE the contactor and that at least some minimum amount of time passes between the two events.
 

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#3 ·
Nice! Thanks for the contribution!
Yes, something I definitely needed help with! Thanks!

Looks like I got a second contactor for Christmas. :) Is there anything wrong with using your 2nd to last schematic, and having my second contactor be the "precharge switch"? When I turn the car to "on" it will engage the precharge switch. When I press the pedal my PotBox will engage the 2nd resistance free contactor? As long as I wait a few seconds before hitting the "gas" (what most people probably do anyways), then I am precharging correctly?
 
#5 ·
I am using a 60 watt 120V household lightbulb for my precharge resistor on my 144v EV. The key switch turns on the contactor on the negative side of the pack. The precharge circuit is connected to the hot side of the contactor at the positive end of the pack. Thus, turning on the keyswitch enables the precharge and the lightbulb lights. On the Raptor controller, once precharge is complete the controller turns on the positive contactor. With a 60 watt bulb, this takes about 5 seconds.
 
#6 ·
Can I precharge my caps with the 12v system during bootup.
If my main contactor low volt (coil) circuit is on a 4 second delay, I switch on the 12v system that parallels though the high voltage circuit via a diode instead of a resistor, or would I still need a resistor.
Then when the main contactor brings on the high voltage the diode stops the 12v system from nuking.
 
#7 ·
The "Pre-charge" is to charge up the capacitors in the controller input circuit to full pack voltage (144 V.?) At a controlled rate and not as an "Inrush" Surge. that is what the resistor or household 120 V. light bulb id there to do. It limits inrush or initial charge-up of the input capacitors as otherwise the initial surge will shorten the life of the power contactor it is connected across. To start charging with only the 12 volt is unnecessary, and potentially a problem because the 12 v. auxiliary supply,(Battery and/or dc/dc) is preferably ISOLATED from the high voltage of the 144 v. traction battery pack. If you have more questions ask them (I just LIVE to give answers.)
 
#8 ·
In case they didn't know Precharge is very important because when current-limits the power source such that a controlled rise time of the system voltage during power up is achieved.When high voltage systems are designed appropriately to handle the flow of maximum rated power through its distribution system, the components within the system can still undergo considerable stress upon the system power up.
 
#9 ·
To get around the correct sequencing of the precharge ono my tractor I have a main isolator and a conventional ignition switch.

The isolator has to go on first or nothing else works.
Then the ignition key is turned to the accessories position which allows power to the instruments and other low current circuits.
Then the key is turned to the running position where the controller main isolator has feed, but is not energised, and the precharge resistors are powered.
This allows the caps to charge up for a while before I flick the key to the momentary 'starter' position. That sets the main relay to latch closed powering the controller and all the high current circuits.

Any loss of power in any part of the circuit will cause the main controller contactor to unlatch but leave the precharge resistors on. A quick flick of the key to the starter position will restart the controller if all is well.

I don't know how useful this would be in a road car but it works well on the tractor.
 
#13 ·
From what I can tell, the photos have been taken down at the source. Since they were only linked to and not hosted directly by the forum server, there isn't much we can do from this end.

It also seems the original contributor hasn't been posting since 2009:(
 
#15 ·
surgy,

The manual for your controller will have a wiring diagram. And you can go to controller company websites and download manuals which will show you. And you can use the search feature on this web site to find threads and posts about it. And this thread, a sticky, I think talks about it. http://www.diyelectriccar.com/forums/showthread.php/ev-high-voltage-turning-and-off-25318.html

But I do think some basic diagrams should be here in the EV Information section.

Regards,

major
 
#16 ·
I'm trying to find a relay for the precharge circuit that can "block" the pack voltage (144) but work (close) off of the 12V system. I was hoping to just use an automotive relay for this but from what I can find these are only rating up to about 50 VDC or so. I don't want to have to pay to get another ev200 just to switch 5 amps at 144volts. What is everyone else using for parts?
 
#17 ·
Hi Cap,

I don't have a part for you, but a suggestion. Put a contactor like the EV200 in the negative (or mid pack) battery line turned on by the keyswitch. Then when it is turned on, it precharges thru the resistor across the contacts of the positive line contactor. After a few seconds, or when a precharge indicator lamp goes out, have a switch (like on the drive position of the gearshifter) which closes the positive contactor. That way the precharge is off when the keyswitch is off. And the high voltage accessories (DC/DC) can come on ahead of the precharge.

Different controllers can require different precharge circuits. There is no one-size-fits-all diagram.

major
 
#18 ·
Right Major, thats pretty much the route I was planning to go, just acquiring parts right now as I'm doing a custom controller and all... what I wanted to get away from is buying ANOTHER ev200 which appear to run about 70-80 bux. There has to be a non-solid state relay out there that can handle 5 amps, block high voltage, and only require 12V to energize. I imagine this fictitious part costing me about $15 or $20. It's just a matter of finding it.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I
I am using a Mercury switch like these for my heater and am thinking about using one to enable my precharge resistor. I am thinking about using my interior lights to turn on the relay. That way anytime I open the door the precharge is enabled. I would just have to leave the door open for a couple of seconds to make sure it is charged which shouldn't be much of a problem. I tend to fasten my seatbelt before I shut the door so it should be enough time. Given the current the mercury switch will handle (16 amps at 125 VDC) I will probably use a lower resistor value which will make it faster. Also due to the construction of the switch (dipping contacts into liquid mercury which freezes at about -38C) I don't think arcing is as big a problem as it is with a standard contactor.

http://www.surplussales.com/Relays/mercury_con.html
 
#23 ·
The images have been restored. Sorry for the problem, I'm not sure what happened to the hosting site, but it's gone!

I've uploaded the original images as attachments, so they are no longer dependent on an outside host.

I still have circuit boards and can order more parts if anyone is interested in a step-start controller.

Also, I would love to hear feedback, positive or negative, from anyone who bought a controller from me and has been using it for a while. I am always interested in improving the design. My original prototype is still working in my Pontiac Sunfire (over 6500 miles under electric power and still running:).)

Thanks,

Joe
 
#25 ·
Hello everyone, so please bear with me as I'm trying to figure out what a precharge circuit looks like physically. I have been reading around and am seeing what I feel are a couple different things.

One suggests drawing the 12v needed for precharge from the 12v battery, but I believe I saw someone advise against this on a page about a Kelly that got fried.

The other, which I'm seeing here, according to the schematics provided, involves rerouting power from the main battery array around the contactor.

The main questions I have are which is preferable, and if indeed you are drawing off of the main array, surely you cant be using 2/0 wire for the precharge route, so why doesn't the high gauge wire go up in flames from the high voltage instantly? (In my auto class my prof made a point of showing why we need fuses by running 12v through a piece of wire and letting us watch it catch on fire.)

And now the question that's going to show my utter lack of knowledge on the subject of contactors: are the closed manually with a pull string or something or does the inflow of current close the conactor automatically?

Thanks all!
 
#26 ·
A precharge can be as simple as a resistor across the contactor. Or it can be switched, by a simple switch or a timed or measuring circuit.

Mine is a resistor hooked to the contactor and 20 GA running to a switch on the dash. High voltage doesn't burn wire, high current does. High current is not possible when running through a large resistor, which is the whole point of the precharge.

The contactor is closed by a low voltage coil feed (usually 12V, maybe 24) tied to something like a key switch. It takes the low voltage and uses it to close high voltage contacts.
 
#29 ·
Hi Everyone ! i am busy trying to configure a motor, motor controller, throtle and conactor config....... the problem im getting is that the microcontrolerr doesnt like getting from zero to 24v directly... i.e. when i turn on the switch (24v) the controller goes on but is not happy( throtle doesnt work.) but if i gradually increase from zero to 24v around 14 v the controleer comes on! and when i set it to 24v it then works correclty.

the motor im using is http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_motors_me0909.php

throtle
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_throttles_ezgo_potbox.php

controller
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_controllers_pgdrives_4825.php

contactor
http://www.electricmotorsport.com/store/ems_ev_parts_contactors_albright_24.php

and a 10k 5% 5W pre-charge resistor....

ive conected everything as the image above ( first image)
does anyone know of this problem?
is this problem the same as the one that the above solution was given for?
 
#31 ·
I see what you are saying! i just went with the data sheet specs tho! what i did to make it work is i put a cap in parallel so th voltage to the controller is inputed gradually.... 25v 1mF .. and it to worked (slighlty since the motor would turn and stop , i believe cause the voltage from the batteries drop a bit and theat causes the cap discharge slighlty and hence not operate corectly..) i bypassed that by puting a resistor that stops it at 16V .. and then a switch to bypass the resistor..... the comfortable switching (on) point of the controler is at 16v if it passes to quickly from that point.. i.e. no cap.or limiting resistor and just str8 24v then the controller gives ERROR 12 (12 flashes) something to do with the footswitch... i am really finding hard to understand this manual of the controller...

oh well i made it work now(kinda) .. but i am going to try what you said! yes it is a 10Kohm resistor i will try the one you recommend and send back some feedback! thanks for the reply!!
 
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