Overview

As the development of electric vehicles and the required infrastructure advances, the need for measurements within product research and development will continue to increase. Optical sensors offer two key benefits within the e-mobility space; high voltage isolation and immunity to electromagnetic interference. This reduces safety hazards for individuals using the measurement equipment and increases the data quality of what is being measured.

Battery Pack Evaluation

Optical temperature measurements can provide an accurate thermal profile of the pack. With the small sensor size, temperature measurements can be made directly on the cells without risk of punctures during thermal cycling and pack expansion. Temperature measurements of the terminals can be made as well to understand thermal cycling and current draw characteristics.

Electric Motor Evaluation

With the ability to measure strain and temperature, a full suite of measurements can be made within the electric motor to evaluate the performance. Direct torque measurements can be made by mounting the optical strain sensor directly to the motor shaft, along with bending conditions that may exist when integrated into the electric drivetrain. Measurements can be made on rotating components with the use of an optical rotary joint. Temperature measurements can be useful to evaluate hot spots that may exist.

Supporting Systems

Characterising systems that support the high-voltage devices, such as the cooling system, can be done safely through the use of optical sensors. Coolant pressure and temperature measurements can be made near the battery packs or motors without isolation risks. Evaluating inverter or charging components can also be done utilizing temperature measurements with fast response rates, allowing electrical designers to understand design trade-offs within inverter or charger designs.