Electrification Controllers for Battery, E-Axle and Fuel Cell Systems
Build your electrification control system around a modular, programmable platform. GOcontroll helps integrate compatible battery systems, electric axles, hydrogen fuel cells and operator interfaces through CAN bus, configurable I/O and application-specific software.
Bring electrified systems together.
Electrification creates a new set of interfaces between energy storage, drivetrain components, machine functions and the operator. GOcontroll helps you structure these connections in a control solution that fits your specific vehicle, machine or system.
What GOcontroll enables for electrification systems.
Integrate battery, drivetrain and vehicle functions
Create a clear control architecture around the systems that need to work together.
Connect through CAN
Exchange relevant data with components and subsystems using the communication interfaces your application requires.
Create a focused HMI
Give operators the status information and controls that matter in daily use.
Use connected data
Support service, testing and system insight with the data you choose to collect.
Develop for the next iteration.
Electrification projects rarely stand still. Begin with the functions and interfaces you need today, then extend the configuration as the vehicle or system evolves. Modular hardware and adaptable software help keep that next step practical.
CAN bus integration for electrification systems
An electrification controller connects the control functions around energy storage, power conversion and the drivetrain. For battery-electric, hybrid and hydrogen projects, start with the interfaces between the battery management system (BMS), inverter, e-axle and auxiliary equipment. CAN bus compatibility depends on the component protocols, message definitions and application software; it is not automatic just because components share a CAN connector.
Hydrogen fuel cell control and Balance of Plant
A fuel cell application needs control of the stack and its supporting equipment, often called the Balance of Plant. Define the sensors, actuators, operating sequences and diagnostic information for your specific design. GOcontroll supplies programmable hardware and supports system integration, wiring and software development. The H2Consultancy projects provide examples of Moduline-based PEM fuel cell control for mobile and stationary power generation.
E-axle integration and energy recovery
Electrified drivetrains require a coordinated exchange of operating data and commands. The Kraker E-Trailer case illustrates an electric axle that recovers braking energy and later provides assistance during acceleration. GOcontroll contributed the M1 controller, software development and driver interface. Energy savings depend on the vehicle, operating conditions and complete system design.
Choosing Moduline M1, L4 or HMI1
Moduline M1: four I/O module slots and two CAN 2.0B interfaces for a compact, programmable control configuration. Moduline L4: eight I/O slots, four CAN 2.0B interfaces and one LIN interface for architectures with more signals and networks. Both run Linux and support MATLAB/Simulink and Node-RED.
Moduline HMI1: a 10.1-inch touchscreen, two I/O slots and two CAN interfaces supporting CAN 2.0B and CAN FD for operator information and control. Match each I/O module to the signal and electrical load; the 4–20 mA Input Module is an option for compatible passive current-loop sensors.
Discuss the architecture in a Technical Fit Check, or explore the configurator if your I/O requirements are already clear. For background, read what a control unit does and the introduction to the Moduline product family.
Proven in the real world.
H2X Ecosystems: fuel cell control for a rally buggy.
H2X Ecosystems develops hydrogen ecosystems based on the real needs of regions and businesses. For the Moroccan rally it built a carbon-free demonstrator vehicle powered by a 5 kW PEM fuel cell stack.
The fuel cell stack is controlled directly by a GOcontroll Moduline controller. GOcontroll supplied the controllers, advised on the system architecture and did the basic programming of the buggy’s control system.
Kraker Trailers: energy recovery with an electric axle.
The Kraker E-Trailer has an electric axle that recovers braking energy, which can later assist the vehicle during acceleration.
GOcontroll supplied a Moduline M1 controller and contributed to the system design, the software and a custom-built driver interface. The software contribution built on work by HAN University of Applied Sciences.
Frequently asked questions about electrification controllers
What does an electrification controller do?
An electrification controller coordinates signals, operating states and commands between compatible energy and drivetrain components. In a GOcontroll application, the control logic and I/O are configured for the system design. The exact functions depend on the connected equipment, software and validation requirements.
Can GOcontroll communicate with a BMS, inverter or electric axle over CAN bus?
CAN bus provides the communication interface, but compatibility also requires matching protocols, message definitions and timing. Share the CAN documentation for your battery management system, inverter or e-axle during a Technical Fit Check. The integration and application software must be assessed for the selected components.
Can a Moduline controller be used for hydrogen fuel cell control?
Yes. The H2X customer case describes direct control of a 5 kW PEM fuel cell stack with a Moduline controller. GOcontroll has also contributed to fuel cell control projects with H2Consultancy. These are project-specific implementations; the stack, auxiliary equipment, I/O and control strategy determine the required configuration.
Does a Moduline controller replace the BMS or power electronics?
A system controller and a battery management system have different responsibilities. Moduline can form part of the control architecture around compatible subsystems. Battery cell monitoring and protection, power conversion and high-voltage switching require the appropriate dedicated hardware and validated system design.
Should I choose Moduline M1, L4 or HMI1?
M1 offers four I/O module slots and two CAN 2.0B interfaces. L4 offers eight slots, four CAN 2.0B interfaces and one LIN interface. HMI1 combines a 10.1-inch touchscreen with two I/O slots and two CAN interfaces supporting CAN 2.0B and CAN FD. Select by signal types, network architecture, operator interface and software requirements.
Can the control software evolve from prototype to production?
Moduline M1 and L4 run Linux and support programming options including MATLAB/Simulink and Node-RED. A configurable platform lets your team develop application logic around the project. Hardware changes, software changes and production configurations still need appropriate testing and validation.
Are GOcontroll controllers certified for safety-critical electrification functions?
Do not assume functional safety certification, vehicle approval or high-voltage safety approval from the use of a Moduline controller. Define the safety requirements at system level and discuss them with GOcontroll. Where the design requires certified safety functions, select suitable safety hardware and validate the complete application.
A Technical Fit Check for your electrification project.
Share your system diagram, I/O list and CAN documentation. During a Technical Fit Check, we review your components, electrical loads, communication interfaces, software requirements and safety responsibilities to identify a suitable GOcontroll configuration.