Pioneering the Future of EVs and Battery Testing With Don Wright, Unico
Oct 19, 2023
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In this engaging discussion, Don Wright, Vice President of Engineering at Unico, shares his journey from Michigan to leading cutting-edge EV battery testing in Wisconsin. He emphasizes the critical role of battery testing in determining health and lifespan. Don explores the innovative concept of a DC microgrid for efficient testing and discusses second-life batteries' future potential. He also dives into the challenges of solid-state and semi-solid-state batteries, revealing insights into emerging technologies in the evolving EV landscape.
Don Wright emphasizes the importance of comprehensive battery testing in assessing longevity and health for electric vehicles and sustainability efforts.
The discussion on DC microgrids highlights innovative approaches for efficient battery testing and the potential applications of second-life EV batteries.
Deep dives
Unico's Role in Electrification and Testing
Unico has a long-standing presence in the electrical engineering field, evolving from digital motor control in the 1960s to becoming a key player in testing equipment for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy solutions. The company pioneered technologies like battery emulators, enabling comprehensive testing of hybrid powertrains by integrating electric and combustion components on testbeds. With recent advancements, Unico is focused on testing large battery systems, boasting capabilities of 3,000 volts and two megawatts for gensets, ensuring that customers achieve efficient and reliable performance from their battery packs. This versatility showcases Unico's commitment to supporting various industries, particularly as they transition towards electrification and cleaner energy sources.
Battery Lifecycle and Second Life Applications
The discussion highlights the significance of understanding battery life cycles and the potential for second-life applications for EV batteries. Once EV batteries reach the end of their primary life, they often retain up to 80% of their original capacity, making them suitable for stationary energy storage solutions. Unico's test systems are instrumental in assessing the state of health of these batteries, helping companies determine whether to repurpose them for secondary applications or recycle them responsibly. This approach not only extends the life of valuable resources but also contributes positively to sustainability efforts in the energy sector.
Advancements in Drive and Control Systems
Drive systems play a crucial role in EV testing by simulating real-world conditions, allowing engineers to assess performance under various scenarios without the environmental impact of traditional fuel consumption. Unico's technology provides the ability to dynamically manipulate loads and torque profiles during testing, essential for evaluating components like electric motors or inverters. The collaboration with a diverse range of customers, including startups and established automotive suppliers, facilitates innovative control strategies and durability testing critical for the electrification revolution. This partnership-oriented approach ensures that all players in the industry are equipped with the necessary tools for advancing vehicle technology.
In this episode of the Battery + Storage Podcast, host Bill Derasmo is joined by Don Wright, vice president of engineering at Unico. Don shares his journey from Michigan to Austria, and finally to Wisconsin, where he now leads Unico's engineering efforts. He discusses the company's role in testing and developing cutting-edge technology in the EV space, and the importance of battery testing in determining battery lifespan and health.
Don also delves into the concept of a DC microgrid for testing more batteries at once without a huge infrastructure charge, and the potential for second-life batteries in this setup. He shares his insights on the future of battery chemistries, the challenges of solid-state batteries, and the potential of semi-solid-state batteries.
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