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I N T E R V I EW
Volker Hennige
Skill Area Manager Battery
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focus: Is developing battery derivatives a typical task for a engineering
service provider like AVL?
Hennige: : Yes. There are more and more OEM programs based on platform
solutions. For example, a lead battery with multiple variants that differ in
terms of energy content, performance, module type and cell chemistry. We
offer lean and efficient development services by using, for example, modelbased
development for such derivatives.
focus: What do customers expect from a module development?
Hennige: Weight savings, parts reductions, simpler assembly, service and
recycling aspects – they all play a major role already at module level. AVL
already has solutions with high energy density and low unit and production
costs on the streets. For future solutions, AVL’s expertise is a key advantage.
AVL BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS)
Courtesy of developments in the past 15 years, AVL has a battery management
system (BMS) with internally-developed software and hardware.
Designed for all battery sizes, this allows us to cover a broad range of applications.
The development solutions supported this way offer maximum
efficiency, as they are constructed modularly and can be easily adapted to
the hardware topology of partners and suppliers.
E-STORAGE TEST FACILITIES
Our portfolio of AVL E-STORAGE products for characterizing and verifying
battery packs is designed in such a way that the most diverse designs
can be tested, from 500 kW to 1.1 MW. This is necessary, as the requirements
of a battery vary depending on its purpose. A high-voltage battery
in a race car can, for example, hardly be compared with a stationary solution.
Thanks to their unique control strategy, the E-STORAGE solutions
ensure outstanding accuracy and stability in all conditions. Data processing
using AVL PUMA™ and AVL CONCERTO™ allows fast feedback
to developers.
BEST PRACTICE I:
AUDI E-TRON
AVL was responsible for developing
and validating the battery derivative
for the cell modules in the
high-voltage battery system for the
fully-electric AUDI e-Tron 55. The
main requirements included maintaining
neutral product properties.
We were able to use CAD adaptions
and system simulations to
ensure that the thermal and electrical
behavior, and the lifecycle, were
comparable. Furthermore, roughly
40 HV battery samples were subjected
to real performance and durability
tests, and also completed
abuse tests. The software functionality
we developed was then secured
under extreme climate conditions
and in road traffic scenarios.
BEST PRACTICE II:
MOTORCYCLE EXPERTISE
Our battery know-how encompasses
electrified motorcycles. Not only
are torque, performance and range
vital here, but also acoustics and
rideability. The latest AVL prototype
electric motorcycle is emphatic
proof of this. It features innovative
one-hand operation and smart
recuperation functions. The efficient
battery system is completely integrated
in the motorcycle assembly.
N O . 1 2 0 2 1 – S P E C I A L