The Breaktor technology is a new advanced circuit protection solution for BEVs from power management company Eaton combining the function of fuses, pyro switches and contactors into a single coordinated device. As electric vehicle (EV) power levels increase, the Breaktor circuit protection solution solves the increasing coordination challenge between fuses and contactors while offering fast, safe, and reliable protection for high-power battery and inverter systems.
The Breaktor circuit protection technology leverages Eaton’s industrial electrical technology and automotive expertise to deliver performance and reliability while simplifying architecture. With a less than 4-millisecond actuation for short-circuit faults up to 900 volts and 25,000 amps, the Breaktor circuit protection technology improves vehicle safety and protects components from any level of overcurrent condition more effectively than traditional circuit protection methods. The Breaktor circuit protection solution is resettable like a circuit breaker, enabling reactivation of the device following a functionality check and reducing cost for both the OEM and consumer.
The Breaktor circuit protection technology provides BEV manufacturers with several additional benefits, including:
- A self-triggering device that can sense a current spike and interrupt the circuit without the need for any external sensing or triggering.
- A current-limiting device in the event of a short circuit, improving system-level protection.
- Operating independently of current direction, which allows for both charging and duty use under full electrical load.
- Availability in multiple configurations, including voltage levels and multi-pole designs.