Wireless monitoring system is applied to Ford Tests EV batteries
Ford is using the Internet and wireless technology to accelerate testing and refinement of the advanced lithium-ion battery systems that will power its upcoming plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles.
The main goals Ford is pursuing are allowing quick, efficient recharging while at the same minimizing cell deterioration. This in turn will translate into an increased battery life. LP141WX1Recharging in different environmental conditions is one of the focuses of the carmaker.
Engineers collect real-time performance data from batteries in the lab and on vehicles in the field via a secure Internet server, and wirelessly update system software to manage thermal load and maximize power capability, energy capacity and lifecycle durability. These proprietary methods have significantly reduced test-fleet downtime and allowed Ford to more than double its battery lab-testing capability.
System-specific engineers are notified via email whenever these software update opportunities occur, based on adaptive event monitoring that can detect conditions of interest and automatically collect relevant data. This method has already led to at least 20 major design improvements for Ford’s future plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.
“Remote monitoring allows us to access real-time data and make continuous improvements very quickly,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford director, Electrification Program and Engineering. “This degree of efficiency would have been unthinkable a few years ago and will help Ford bring more fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles to market more quickly than ever before.”