1 7 F O C U S developed more than 240 objective comparison criteria for benchmarking series batteries,“ said Wenzel Prochazka, Product Manager of Battery Systems, and continued, „This puts AVL in a position to assess objectively how certain vehicle batteries perform compared to competitors‘ products. Customers can now access this comprehensive knowledge including development methodology and processes.“ In the context of battery benchmarks, which AVL conducts with four to five vehicles per year, development processes are analyzed, starting with the product and reversing them to the objectives. But for AVL, reverse engineering is by no means the end of the story, quite the contrary. AVL Series Battery Benchmarking not only delivers valuable technical information about your competitors‘ batteries, it also allows you to compare knowledge about vehicle integration and functions and work out new solutions for the future. Prochazka: „Being an integral part of the powertrain, series batteries usually have hundreds of functions. They are active, highly dynamic components with control and safety systems of their own.“ SIMPLE INFORMATION ACCESS & EXCEPTIONAL TECHNICAL DEPTH In a benchmark project, AVL initially directs its focus on the complete vehicle. The process starts with measurements, in which the operating strategy, the functions and the control system undergo an analysis. In a next step, the battery is measured on the testbed, where the AVL experts examine its thermal, electrical and mechanical subsystems. Factors such as production and development > In benchmarking, the focus is on the complete vehicle. costs, module safety and cell durability are always taken into account and incorporated in suitable graphic displays. Finally, a scatter band is output, indicating to customers where there is still room for improvement, for example. „AVL also delivers the development process“ said Prochazka and explained, „This means that AVL does more than just benchmarking. The information gained from what is referred to as the ‚teardown,‘ along with the specifications, is additionally transferred to a development process, which is adapted specifically to the customer. This enables OEMs to perform future proof development at the high- est standards.“ The criteria, which are continually extended, include, for example, costs, vehicle data, operating strategies, load, software, cooling, charging and safety – to name but a few. Drawing on comprehensive benchmarking programs and insightful reports, AVL helps its customers generate technical information about their competitors‘ batteries and keep their valuable knowledge about development processes and methods up to date. Prochazka: „AVL prepares the obtained information in a manner that makes it easily accessible to OEM experts and gives it a clear added value. In doing so, we shape the future of electric drives together with our customers.“ < AVL scatter band Medium car segment electric vehicles AVL-DRIVE OBJECTIVE RATING Battery A Battery B Battery C Performance Driver Experience Efficiency Safety Engineering Requirements Production Capability Serviceability Cost
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