cover story
Example of a testbed layout –
a containerized solution
as seen at the AVL headquarters
7
J U LY 2 0 2 0
in Graz. It contains
the core components for
battery testing: AVL Climatic
Chamber, AVL E-STORAGE
and AVL LYNX 2.
‹AVL›: How does Valmet Automotive set up its testing capacities?
‹VA/GE›: We always strive to be flexible on the market and we intend to
remain that way. The modular test container setup allows us to meet our
high standards and continue to act flexibly on the market. The container
labs can be easily adapted and even enlarged to respond to the market.
‹AVL›: You are planning to develop very compact, high-energy storage
batteries. What role does AVL play in this development?
‹VA/ST›: The role I see for AVL is to provide us with the necessary testbed
hardware and software. The ever increasing amount of energy stored in
HV storage systems demands higher energy input and output capabilities.
The testbed must therefore always be one step ahead of the battery’s
requirements. The modular testbed concept we have developed allows us
to expand testbeds as needed.
‹AVL›: What requirements of Valmet Automotive does AVL meet,
which other providers don’t?
‹VA/SO›: Valmet Automotive’s motto is “The Fast Lane to Future Vehicles.”
Apart from providing a powerful, modular concept, AVL has given us a
team that shares our spirit and tackles the challenges of the future with the
same degree of motivation and enthusiasm as we do.
AVL›: Mr. Stulken, at the center of the new testing facility are the AVL
E-STORAGE BT systems. How do these support you in your product
development activities?
‹VA/ST: We use the AVL E-STORAGE BT systems to simulate the different
charge scenarios of the HV battery, regardless of whether we are dealing with
simple charging and discharging cycles, or with complex and fast driving
profiles, to perform durability and performance tests on the HV battery.
‹AVL: With regard to trends, AVL has noticed that PHEV batteries
are shifting by 400 V and 15 kWh and BEV batteries by as much as
1000 V and 100 kWh. How does Valmet Automotive view the trend?
‹VA/BO: When you consider price, range and utilization, it is clear that hybrids
won’t be beaten any time soon, and that makes them the perfect bridge
technology. But when it comes to the further development of all-electric
vehicles, the increasing operating voltage is certainly a logical step forward
in order to cope with rising driving and charging requirements. Once the
charging infrastructure has been expanded and upgraded, vehicles powered
by batteries up to 1000 V will be seen more frequently on the roads.
‹AVL: What can you tell us about possible plans to expand the test facility?
‹VA/SO: The present test concept was deliberately crafted to be modular
and adaptive. By doing so we’d like to keep our options open as to whether
or not to go forward and expand the test facility to meet our rising testing
requirements and those of our customers and partners.
‹AVL: Can you imagine a future collaboration with AVL in any other
areas, for example in the field of engineering?
‹VA/SO: In my opinion, a successful collaboration depends on a just a few
important factors: working together fairly and respectfully at eye level, clearly
defined tasks, a powerful portfolio and a spirit shared by both partners. Personally,
I see great potential for the future – also where engineering is concerned.
We wish you all the best for the future. Thanks for your time.