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I N T E R V I EW
Sven Seifert
Global Business Segment
Manager
focus: Why is safety so important
in battery development?
Seifert: Safety is a sensitive topic,
which contributes significantly
to the acceptance of electric
vehicles. The rapid technical
development of batteries constantly
demands new test methods,
in order to ensure safe operation.
focus: To what extent is this
linked to potential savings for
series production?
Seifert: Safety not only means
that there is no risk to humans,
but also that the battery itself
is protected. What we test on
prototypes in the test lab, we
then transfer to safe, troublefree
and cost-optimized operation
for large-scale production.
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N O . 1 2 0 2 1 – S P E C I A L
vironment. The findings are used to
parameterize simulations, in order
to achieve a no-propagation safety
cell in the full battery. The result is
optimized safety periods for parking
and leaving a battery-powered car.
ELECTRIC SAFETY
When we design a new test environment,
we take into consideration all
safety factors. With the pre-existing
parameters and specific customer
requirements regarding cleanliness
and humidity, we define the respective
parameters – for example, the
necessary safety clearances with regard
to possible creepage. We also
determine insulation resistance
and dielectric strength at individual
component and whole system level.
Possible voltage carryover is avoided
through equipotential bonding.
Our safety concept covers every
imaginable aspect – from short circuit
protection to the monitoring of
insulation resistance, electronic interfaces
and maintenance openings.
In special cases, we can also cover
higher voltages above 1,000 volts.
SAFE TEST CONDITIONS
At AVL, we use modular and application
focused test labs and climate
chambers, in which we perform defined
test runs looking at electric
safety and durability in various environmental
conditions. These facilities
have high-end safety systems
(up to hazard level six). They
include gas and smoke detection,
overpressure valves, ventilation,
rupture disks, safety PLC, water
mist systems, and chamber flooding.
In addition, there is a unique
extinguishing system, which penetrates
the battery and floods it with
water or liquid nitrogen to protect
the testbed and its operators.
From concept to
implementation -
AVL Battery Pack
Test System with
safety equipment
in operation
Setting up and running a safe
and efficient test facility
AVL LAB DESIGN STUDIES
AVL also designs complete test centers for battery development.
For this purpose, we perform design studies, which incorporate a
comprehensive safety concept, as well as the layout of the test facility
and its application matrix. Building security and the necessary
safety equipment are cost-intensive factors, but our analyses and
studies allow us to reduce investment and implementation risks.
We then perform a requirement analysis, in which we work with
you to define the functional and test methods. We also define the
safety requirements for both greenfield and brownfield installations.
The studies examine your existing infrastructure, select appropriate
equipment and prepare an optimal investment strategy.
AVL LAB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
We have developed the AVL Lab Management™ software solution
to take AVL and non-AVL testing facilities and equipment
for all kinds of testing to the next level. Designed around
users, it is a collection of integrated modules for process and
data management. The solution covers everything from lab
booking, work order planning, and the preparation and execution
of tests, through to holistic data management and postprocessing.
It raises lab efficiency and reduces test effort, and
even considers the energy management of the entire facility.