Germany - Kiepe Electric GmbH of Dusseldorf, Germany (a subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse Group), used Busworld last month to introduce theKiepe Traction Inverter, a traction converter that combines the power electronics for the traction system and for charging of the battery in a single system for electric buses and other heavy duty electric commercial vehicle applications. This product also marks the divisions’ broadening of its business strategy to offer the e-bus and e-truck markets components in addition to complete traction drive systems. This new strategic decision to supply components and ‘kits’ is a consequence of Knorr-Bremse having bought Kiepe in February 2017. Knorr-Bremse is a primarily components (as well as systems) supplier and it opens a new opportunity for Kiepe Electric of supplying electrical components to many new potential customers worldwide, so stated a spokesperson on the stand at Busworld last month. 

The Kiepe Traction Inverter or KTI is available in single and dual output versions and is suitable for decentralized installation throughout the entire vehicle; it is fully compliant with the ISO 26262 standard for safety-related electrical systems in road vehicles. Featuring 2 x 200kW outputs in a compact design, the dual KTI can supply power to two motors from a single 25kg unit. This gives it the ability to drive two axles with average power requirements. The smart control system drives both asynchronous and synchronous (PSM) motors, with all the performance benefits offered by the Kiepe Traction Control (KTC) system, which enhances powertrain performance. The KTI is supplied with the traction control unit (TCU), as well as software for functions such as brake blending and individually controllable axle torque. In addition, Kiepe Electric’s energy management system optimizes onboard electrical system efficiency through the Energy Control Unit (ECU). These core components of Kiepe Electric’s new E-Kit can be scaled up to a subsystem or even a complete electrical system for any electric vehicle.