Ford Kuga

 Service Manual

Voltage Converter/Inverter » Direct Current/Alternating Current (DC/AC) Inverter (System Operation and Component Description)
Component Description

DC/AC converter

The converter operates with a series connection of two power converter circuits. The primary power converter here is a push-pull converter. It converts the 12 V supply from the electrical system of the vehicle to an intermediate direct current link of approx. 320 V.

From this intermediate direct current link, the downstream full H-bridge circuit generates a pulse-width modulated output voltage with 230 V/50 Hz.

A controller modulates the pulse width of the square-wave output voltage and maintains an effective output voltage of 230 V under varying load conditions and under different input voltages.

Here, the rising and falling edge of the positive and negative square wave pulse are controlled symmetrically to the ideal shape of a sine wave, which - among other things - also makes a positive contribution to electromagnetic compatibility.

DC/AC converters which supply a modified square wave output voltage are referred to as 'Modified Sine Wave Inverters".

With this type of system there is no need for a residual current operated device for protection in the event of accidental contact, as all of the 230 V lines are double-insulated. Potential-free separation of the entire 230 V voltage part from the vehicle is provided (electrical isolation).

The output voltage of 230 V/50 Hz is not generated until the switching voltage is present at terminal 1 of the converter via the AC mains outlet switch.

The converter operates with the ignition switched on and a vehicle electrical supply of between 11 V and 16 V. Internal voltage monitoring in the converter deactivates the system if the input voltage is outside this range.

AC mains outlet

In order to prevent accidents and the risk of electrical shock, the outlet is protected with a child safety device and the AC outlet switch.

In order to make the system safer for children, the safety catches for the 230 V contacts can only be pushed to one side by pressing a Euro plug evenly into both of the connector openings.

The AC mains outlet switch only activates the system when a consumer is connected to the outlet.

The contacts of the outlet exert a more powerful grip on the plug so that it does not shake loose on poor road surfaces. An orange LED lights up to show that the unit has been activated.

2008.50

System Diagram

System Operation

Component Description