John Deere Electronic Solutions developed its PD400 modular inverter for high voltage/high power hybrid electric off-highway and heav-duty vehicles. The IP67-sealed PD400 all-in-one solution eliminates the need for multiple interfaces, simplifying work and allowing system designers to optimize machine performance in extreme conditions.

The new PD400 modular design can be configured with a single or dual inverter, optional brake chopper, optional dc-dc converter, and an available integrated isolation monitoring feature. The single inverter has a mass of 17.3 kg (38 lb) and a 16.3-L volume, while the dual converter weighs in at 30.4 kg (67 lb) with a 24.1-L volume.

This PD400 all-in-one solution eliminates multiple connector and cooling interfaces to improve cost, minimize space requirements, and reduce losses for improved efficiency. Both inverters were designed to operate efficiently from -40 to +70°C (-40 to +158°F) and feature a continuous current of 400 Arms and a peak current of 550 Arms. 

The PD400 has a common electronic control architecture that supports the full suite of JDES advanced motor control software to optimize performance of permanent magnet or induction motors in hybrid electric applications. PD400 software is designed to work at maximum efficiency with complete monitoring capabilities to enable precise control under various operating conditions. The thermal management system is liquid-cooled for robust and reliable performance over the life of the system.

While the PD400 modular inverter is a new product introduced just this year, other JDES inverters such as the PD300 and PD550 Dual are fielded in a variety of applications today that include Deere's own 644K hybrid wheel loader, Scania Citywide hybrid bus, Odyne medium-duty plug-in hybrid work truck, and a variety of applications in mining and other off-highway and heavy-duty uses.