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Hybrid electric propulsion passenger aircraft

A European project is developing a new propulsion system for medium-range aircraft with up to 35 passengers, writes Nick Flaherty. Several Fraunhofer Institutes and Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, under the leadership of Rolls-Royce Germany and other partners such as research institution ACCESS, are collaborating on the hybrid electric-propulsion system.

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StoreDot’s cell-to-pack architecture for fast charging

StoreDot has developed a cell-to-pack architecture for its silicon-based fast-charging batteries, writes Nick Flaherty. The I-BEAM XFC is a patented cell design that accelerates the integration of extreme fast charging (XFC) into EVs using StoreDot’s proprietary 100in5 electrode technology. The silicon anodes enable charging for 100 miles of range in just five minutes.

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Polymer safety boost for lithium battery cells

Researchers in Korea have developed a polymer separator to boost the safety of lithium-ion battery cells, writes Nick Flaherty. Separators composed of polyolefins, a type of polymer, can be employed to keep the anode and cathode apart to prevent an internal short circuit. However, these separators can melt at higher temperatures, and the inadequate absorption of electrolytes can result in short circuits and diminished efficiency.

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Lead-less transistor packaging

Alpha and Omega Semiconductor (AOS) has developed lead-less packaging for its automotive grade 80V and 100V MOSFET transistors for two and three wheelers, writes Nick Flaherty. The lead-less packaging is a key step in making battery packs and brushless DC motors smaller in two and three wheel scooters.

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Combining machine learning and electrochemical models

Eatron Technologies and About:Energy are developing a decision-engine for battery management systems (BMS) that combines machine learning and electrochemical

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ChatGPT for battery chemicals

A team of researchers led by the University of Michigan in the US is developing a generative AI model to produce new molecules for batteries, writes Nick Flaherty. The machine learning framework will be developed using 200,000 node hours on the Polaris, a 34-petaflop supercomputer at Argonne National Laboratory.

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Smart switch protects 800V battery packs

Kyocera AVX has developed a smart semiconductor switch for EV battery pack designs, writes Nick Flaherty. The switch supports voltage levels up to 930 V for 800 V battery packs and is able to withstand short current events up to several thousand amps. Using a scalable design, the switch can be adapted to different power classes up to 640 kW continuous performance and provides both a safety cutoff and also support for higher charging rates.

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LFP cells charge in six minutes

DESTEN has developed the first Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell that can charge in just six minutes at 6 C writes Nick Flaherty. The 160 Wh/kg pouch cell developed by DESTEN is capable of charging from 20% to 80% SOC in six minutes at a charging rate of 6 C. Moreover, the LFP chemistry means the cell is intrinsically safer than lithium ion cells.

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In wheel motor development

YASA is working with Domin on an in-wheel motor system that weighs under 2 kg, writes Nick Flaherty. The project with Cranfield University in the UK will create a patented in-wheel motor design using YASA’s axial flux motor and Domin’s digitally controlled hydraulic active suspension. The aim is to develop a motor system that is ten times lighter than the current 12 kg motor package design.

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Successful test of aircraft rim motor

Duxion Motors has successful ground tested its patented eJet Motor for electric aviation, writes Nick Flaherty. The successful ground testing of the scaled prototype at Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada, included both low-speed and high-speed testing.