Electric Power Inverter Converter
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | High Voltage (HV) connector to the PHEV battery |
| 2 | Electric Power Inverter Converter (EPIC) |
| 3 | Electrical bonding cable connection |
| 4 | Engine coolant connection |
| 5 | Engine coolant connection |
| 6 | Wiring harness connector |
| 7 | HV 3-phase connector to the Motor Generator (MG) |
| 8 | Pressure equalization connection |
The Electric Power Inverter Converter (EPIC) is located under the floor between the front and rear axle on the right.
The EPIC is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM communicates with the EPIC via the FlexRay.
The PCM controls the EPIC to change the operation of the Motor Generator (MG) between a motor and a generator. The PHEV battery provides the electrical power when the MG is a motor. The PHEV battery stores the electrical energy when the MG is a generator for the regenerative braking.
When the MG is a motor the EPIC provides a high voltage Alternating Current (AC). The AC is supplied through the 3-phase cable. The phasing of the AC is changed depending on the torque required from the MG and signals from the 3 integral MG position sensors.
When the MG is required to be a generator, the MG provides a high voltage 3-phase AC to the EPIC. The EPIC rectifies the AC to Direct Current (DC) and regulates the voltage to charge the PHEV battery.
The EPIC is connected to the engine cooling system and controls an electric coolant pump to prevent overheating of the EPIC. The EPIC controls the flow of coolant using a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal by controlling the speed of the electric coolant pump. The coolant flow controlled by the EPIC also cools the PHEV battery onboard charger, MG and Direct Current to Direct Current (DC/DC) converter.
The EPIC has 3 electrical connectors, these are:
- The high voltage DC connector to the PHEV battery.
- The high voltage 3-phase Alternating Current (AC) connector to the MG.
- The 12V and control connector.
For additional information, Refer to: BATTERY AND CABLES - HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM