International Lecture Series on Electric Mobility

Speaker: Markus Gregor

Date: 14.10.2025

Day: Tuesday

Time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Link: teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NjQwNGNkODgtNzRiOS00MjAzLTlmMzgtZGQxOTAwZTI0NjM5%40thread.v2/0

Abstract:

The core DNA of testing organizations is to safely and sustainably bring new vehicle technologies onto the roads while ensuring the safe and sustainable operation of existing vehicles. Testing organizations and universities are further developing the main inspection through innovative testing technologies and procedures, along with an efficient and modular test process. Safety, environmental compatibility, and compliance with regulations in increasingly digitalized traffic are thus guaranteed today and in the future. The rapidly advancing automation and electrification of vehicles require innovative testing technologies and procedures to ensure safe and environmentally friendly mobility. This research advocates for the necessary advancements in technical vehicle testing concerning existing standards worldwide. In combination with field data, dynamic inspection, and vehicle diagnostics, essential functions of the high-voltage powertrain must be tested. The focus here is on checking the electrical battery efficiency and safety-critical battery features, such as aging effects or mechanical damage.

Speaker: Daniel Koch

Date: 21.10.2025

Day: Tuesday

Time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Link: teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGQwMGU5YjctNTVmYi00YTEyLTgwYTYtMGMxMDRiODg5ZTli%40thread.v2/0

Abstract:

This presentation reveals the experiences and results derived from the European project MARBEL, aimed at manufacturing and assembling innovative modular and reusable Electric Vehicle batteries for environment-friendly and lightweight mobility. The battery design, including modules, cooling system, BMS and power electronics are presented, whereas a special focus will be on the testing and validation of the developed system and the results.

Speaker: Dr. Markus R. Meier

Date: 28.10.2025

Day: Tuesday

Time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MzFmNWI5MzEtNjQxYy00MzdmLWJmYmQtZjA4YjQ4ZTViZmMx%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228bcace8-4ce7-4949-868f-170f67122379%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22c7e3e701-adc4-4b58-a46b-b327b08b01d6%22%7d 

Abstract:

Modern power electronics are among the key enabling technologies for future mobility and the production of electric vehicles. In these applications, power modules are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions – particularly high humidity. This raises the critical question: Which failure mechanisms and ageing effects compromise the reliability and service life of power modules, and thus the overall functionality of the vehicle? This lecture explores the failure mechanisms that occur in power electronic devices under humid conditions and presents strategies for mitigating or preventing these effects.

Speaker: Charlotte Wierling

Date: 04.11.2025

Day: Tuesday

Time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Link: teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_MGNmOTIzODAtMjI2OS00ZWI3LWI5Y2ItODNmNDkyZGE0MjBh%40thread.v2/0

Abstract:

This presentation sheds light on burning electric vehicles via providing an overview of the research project BALSAM. BALSAM aims to investigate the effects of pollutants and temperatures emitted during a fire involving electric vehicle traction batteries on both vehicle occupants as well as rescue forces like firefighters, first responders, and towing company staff. We will approach the phenomenon of burning electric vehicles by moving from the small scale to the large scale: Why does a battery cell burn – what happens within the cell? How does a single burning cell affect the battery pack, the entire vehicle, and ultimately the vehicle’s surroundings?

Speaker: Carlos Rufino Júnior

Date: 11.11.2025

Day: Tuesday

Time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Link: teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_M2NlNjM4M2UtOWViZi00NmZjLWIxMDMtMmI5MTIxZWVlODZi%40thread.v2/0

Abstract:

This work presents an embedded system for grid stability and vehicle-to-everything applications, combining Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Reinforcement Learning (RL). Implemented at the edge, the system integrates battery management, grid-forming, and cybersecurity to deliver reliable power and extended battery life. Three control strategies (MPC, RL, and hybrid MPC+RL) are compared under realistic scenarios including frequency deviations, load ramps, voltage sags, and V2X latency. Results show that the hybrid approach achieves tighter frequency and voltage regulation, lower battery degradation, and higher robustness to failures, demonstrating its potential for industrial deployment in next-generation energy and mobility systems.

Speaker: Basit Jimoh

Date: 18.11.2025

Day: Tuesday

Time: 18:00 (6:00 p.m.)

Link: teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZDQ0YjFlZDEtMzFkOC00Yzg4LTliZjctYzU1NWRmYzIxM2Qy%40thread.v2/0

Abstract:

Next Generation Battery cells like Semi-Solid State have gained attention recently, especially large format cells due to high energy density for automotive use. However, these cells are yet to be fully understood if they are safer than the traditional Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs). Hence, there is a need to understand in details how thermal runaway is being triggered in these cells. Electrical, thermal, and mechanical abuse conditions have been performed on these cells and the behaviors of the cells for these different misuse conditions showed that semi-solid states despite being semi-solid are not 100% safe, but could surpress the onset of thermal runaway for tests like overcharge, external short-circuit, and external overheating due to low content of liquid electrolyte in them. However, they failed similarly to LIBs to nail penetration abuse test.