Frederik Morgenstern’s Post

As noted in The Irish Times' recent article on the future of electric vehicles, the auto industry is on the cusp of a major transition to electric drivetrains. Exciting new battery chemistries like quasi-solid-state electrolytes have the potential to accelerate this shift with a platform that is “more robust, faster to charge, and which can hold more energy.” At Factorial Energy, we’re working with partners Mercedes-Benz AG, Stellantis, and Hyundai Motor Group to develop our quasi-solid-state technology (FEST®), enabling a scalable, safe, and energy-dense battery for future EVs. Read more from The Irish Times: https://bit.ly/46ORWrO #FutureisFactorial #solidstate #innovation #EVs

A Battery Electric Research Vehicle (BERV) is an experimental vehicle designed to explore and test the capabilities of electric vehicle (EV) technology. These vehicles are used by researchers, engineers, and automotive manufacturers to develop, evaluate, and refine various aspects of electric vehicle technology. Here's an overview of how a BERV typically works: 1. **Battery System**: The heart of a BERV is its battery pack. It contains a set of rechargeable batteries (usually lithium-ion or other advanced chemistries) that store electrical energy. These batteries power the electric motor(s) that drive the vehicle. 2. **Electric Motor(s)**: BERVs use one or more electric motors for propulsion. These motors convert electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to move the vehicle. They can vary in type and configuration, such as induction motors, permanent magnet motors, or newer technologies like axial flux motors. 3. **Power Electronics**: Power electronics are essential components that manage the flow of electricity between the battery, the motor(s), and other vehicle systems. These components include inverters, converters, and controllers that regulate the voltage, current, and frequency of the electric power. 4. **Regenerative Braking**: Many BERVs utilize regenerative braking systems. When the vehicle slows down or brakes, these systems convert some of the kinetic energy back into electrical energy, which is then fed back into the battery, helping to extend the vehicle's range. 5. **Vehicle Control Systems**: Sophisticated software and control systems manage the interaction between the battery, motor(s), braking, and other vehicle functions. These systems optimize performance, efficiency, and safety, and they can be continuously refined through research and development. 6. **Data Collection and Analysis**: BERVs often include sensors and data collection systems that gather information about the vehicle's performance, energy usage, temperature, and other metrics. Engineers use this data to analyze and improve the vehicle's efficiency, reliability, and overall performance. 7. **Testing and Development**: BERVs serve as testbeds for new technologies and innovations related to electric propulsion, energy storage, charging systems, materials, and more. They undergo extensive testing, often in various environmental conditions, to assess their capabilities and identify areas for improvement. 8. **Research and Innovation**: The primary purpose of a BERV is to enable research and innovation in electric vehicle technology. Overall, a Battery Electric Research Vehicle plays a crucial role in advancing the development of electric vehicles by serving as a platform for testing, refining, and innovating various components and systems that make up an electric vehicle. #snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking

Battery development doesn't rank in the top three technical challenges in the automotive industry. There's a lot of talk about Electric Vehicle battery development and the challenge it poses for the auto industry. Automotive companies have directed significant resources to battery manufacturers, who invest in researching, developing, and manufacturing better technology. Since you can't drive plugged into an extension cord, EVs are only as viable as their battery pack. So, a lot of time, energy, and resources have gone into improving batteries. There's no big surprise there. However, that doesn't mean battery development is completely solved or addressed. We still don't know enough about electrochemistry to accurately simulate a battery's performance and life. GM is now hedging their bets on green energy by heavily focusing on hydrogen fuels. Significant ethical concerns still exist over mining rare earth metals and the labor used to get those materials. Efforts to recycle batteries aren't mature by any stretch. Significant challenges exist. Yet, when we carried out research in the automotive industry, battery development didn't even make the top three technological developments expected to have substantial impact on business. Instead, findings show the top three developments are generative tech/AI/machine learning, at 52%; electric motor and drive, at 49%; and autonomous driving, at 48%. One reason batteries are not prioritized is the role of auto manufacturers in battery development. Battery development is generally delegated to a specialty set of companies or researchers in labs, and they've made many improvements to battery tech. Yes, there are exceptions. Audi recently announced its new battery platform. But in general, OEMs are partnering with experts in this field. Interestingly, electric motors and drives DO fall within auto OEM's expertise. They haven't gotten the same attention yet, so there's a lot of space to improve electric motor performance, efficiency, and weight. There are multiple ways to optimize electric motors and drives. Auto companies can examine their in-house design and see what still needs to be optimized to maximize battery life. Improvement opportunities include: - Improving performance by using lighter materials and integrating cooling technologies - Gaining efficiency by optimizing motor design - Gaining efficiency by improving power electronics to reduce energy consumption As always, I'm interested in getting your take on this topic. Do you find the electric motor ranking surprising? Are we seeing a split between OEMs with some developing core battery competencies while others eschew it? Let me know your thoughts. Follow Lifecycle Insights for #research and guidance on #digitaltransformation for #engineering and #manufacturing #executives. We'll be sharing more insights like this one from our interviews, studies, and publications. Stay tuned!

Sprint Electric strengthens new AC drive technology by working with Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) ⚫🔴 Mark Gardiner explains the value of the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) undertaken with the University of Nottingham and the University of Sussex, starting with how Sprint came to initiate the projects. "We first met with the University of Nottingham in 2017 to develop our AC-to-AC technology. I had never heard of a KTP before, but it seemed an ideal route for adding specific knowledge into Sprint Electric and was better suited to our situation than specific recruiting or using a consultancy firm. "We chose the University of Nottingham Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) because of the AC-to-AC expertise at the Power Electronics Machine and Controls (PEMC) Group. Although KTPs are usually geographically based, and the University of Nottingham is a long distance from our HQ in West Sussex, we decided access to world class facilities and specialist knowledge were worth committing to, so we setup a secondary base at the PEMC in 2018 when the project started. "Then we pursued a second KTP to assist with the development of web-based technologies to support our new products. The University of Sussex was the chosen partner due to its close proximity to Sprint Electric and the expertise they possess in this domain. We spoke with other institutions, but we opted for the University of Sussex, as they had the best expertise in cloud technology and Industry 4.0. "We recognised the value that the collaboration offered, and we wanted to explore how the KTP would add to the development of our product and how the team could benefit from the high standard of research available. The University of Nottingham recommended we apply for funding from Innovate UK, which was successful, and as a result we were awarded £1m. "The universities recognised the value of working with a world class manufacturer like Sprint and giving the Associates first-hand knowledge of working alongside businesses with ambitious goals for changing the industrial landscape. "The Associates that we have worked with are employed by the university to work on the project but, at the end of it, they are free agents. This is a good opportunity for the Associate, and they are often recruited so they can continue their work." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eC3F6H8r #KTP #ACdrive #motorcontrol #research

NEW PARTNERSHIP: Next-generation mobility and energy solutions addressed in Japan by Nissan and Mitsubishi Nissan Motor Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a new joint initiative focused on next-generation mobility and energy-related services using electric vehicles, beginning in Japan. Nissan and MC have agreed to collaborate on sustainable business models, aiming to jointly commercialize next-generation mobility and energy-related services using EVs, starting in Japan. Makoto Uchida, Nissan president and CEO, said, “We want to help solve regional issues and create future-centered cities through new mobility services and energy management. MC shares our motivation, and together we will study a robust and sustainable business model.” Katsuya Nakanishi, Mitsubishi Corporation president and CEO, added, “As the mobility sector undergoes significant transformation due to technological innovation and decarbonization, MC … aims to work with Nissan to explore the creation of sustainable business models that address Japan’s societal challenges.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eiEEZ4f4 Suci Sitoresmi #Automotive #Powertrain #PowertrainMag #Engineering #AutomotiveEngineering #AutomotiveDesign #Sustainability #ElectricVehicles #EV #Testing #Technology #Transportation #AutoTestExpo #GACS

EVs, like traditional vehicles, will have a limited life cycle, but just because the batteries can't power the EV doesn't mean they won't be reused. Second-life batteries are a new business opportunity and technology that promotes the circular economy and sustainability in the mobility industry. Some of the categories in which EV batteries can be reused include off-grid, on-grid, and peak-time support for charging stations. Several automakers, including Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Polestar, and, most recently, Jaguar, have begun projects that may not be in large quantities at the moment but automakers do believe that as EVs gain widespread adoption, scalability will improve and experimental use cases will become the benchmark. Nissan can be the industry driver since it has been selling the Nissan Leaf since 2010 and this model may be the first one to reach the end of its life cycle. Automakers, utility providers, energy management companies, CPOs, local governments, and private landowners can all play important roles in propelling this industry forward. #recycling #reusing #batterypacks #EVs #opportunity #growth #automakers

In its quest to innovate for zero-emission mobility, Henkel partners with OEMs and battery manufacturers to solve the biggest challenges around EV battery technology. E-mobility design goals that advance EV performance, reliability, and safety, set an ambitious standard for battery R&D engineers. Navigating regulatory compliance, championing carbon emission reductions across the entire value chain, and accelerating development timelines all add complexity to the design process of battery electric vehicles. Successfully addressing these challenges relies on innovation as a key factor. https://lnkd.in/edej6fgJ #batteries #electricvehicles #innovation #zeroemission #emobility

𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 - [𝐏𝐃𝐅 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞] ➡ 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐃𝐅>> https://lnkd.in/d7R2Gst8 Electric vehicles (EVs) are comprised of various parts and components that work together to power the vehicle and facilitate its operation. Here are some essential components found in electric vehicles: ➡ 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸: The battery pack is the heart of an electric vehicle, storing electrical energy to power the vehicle's motor. These packs typically consist of lithium-ion cells arranged in modules or packs. ➡ 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗿: Electric vehicles are propelled by one or more electric motors. These motors convert electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the wheels. ➡ 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀: Power electronics are essential for managing the flow of electrical energy between the battery pack and the electric motor. This includes components like inverters, converters, and controllers. ➡ 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: EVs are equipped with onboard chargers that allow them to recharge their battery packs from external power sources. This system includes charging ports, cables, and sometimes onboard chargers with various power levels. ➡ 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Electric vehicles require a thermal management system to regulate the temperature of the battery pack and electric motor for optimal performance and longevity. This system may include cooling pumps, radiators, and heat exchangers. ➡ 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗘𝗣𝗦): Instead of traditional hydraulic power steering, electric vehicles use electric power steering systems, which are more energy-efficient and can be integrated with driver assistance features. ➡ 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: Electric vehicles often utilize regenerative braking systems, which capture and store energy from braking to recharge the battery pack. This system can improve energy efficiency and extend the vehicle's range. ➡ 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Electric vehicles require high-voltage wiring to carry electrical power from the battery pack to the motor and other components. This wiring must be insulated and designed to handle high currents safely. ➡ 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 (𝗕𝗠𝗦): The BMS monitors and manages the performance, health, and safety of the battery pack. It ensures proper charging and discharging, balances individual cells, and protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and overheating. ➡ 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 (𝗩𝗖𝗨): The VCU serves as the brain of the electric vehicle, coordinating the operation of various systems such as the motor, battery, and regenerative braking. It also interfaces with the vehicle's onboard computers and sensors.