42V PowerNet: Providing the Vehicle Electrical Power for the 21st Century

The growth in electrical power demand in future vehicles is expected to significantly exceed the four to five percent annual increases experienced over the last two decades. Continued electrification of traditionally mechanical loads, such as power assist steering, as well as the introduction of new loads, such as AC power points, will overburden the conventional 14V power generation and distribution system. The cost of the electronics to control these new high power systems will add to the challenges associated with the transition. A higher electrical system voltage will be required to meet these ever increasing loads and will help to reduce the control electronics costs. This paper will provide projections of potential future electrical system loads and compare some approaches that could be employed to provide the electrical power to meet the needs. In addition, the paper will provide some insights into the issues associated with the transition from today's 14V electrical system to the future 42V PowerNet.