Honeywell has introduced two innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the safety of electric vehicles (EVs) for drivers and improving manufacturing processes in gigafactories. These technologies, provided by Honeywell Process Solutions and Honeywell Sensing Solutions, align with the company’s strategic focus on three significant megatrends, including the transition to sustainable energy.
“As the global shift towards electrification accelerates, various challenges have emerged, particularly regarding the safe, efficient, and high-volume production of EV batteries,” stated Victor Verissimo, General Manager of Electrification for Honeywell Industrial Automation. “Our newest solutions across the EV sector are designed to mitigate safety risks, enhance transparency throughout the battery lifecycle, and streamline the production process. In doing so, we contribute to the advancement of a more sustainable future.”
Titan Partnership Enhances Battery Cell Quality Monitoring
Honeywell Process Solutions has formed a partnership with Titan Advanced Energy Solutions, a leader in ultrasound-based battery interrogation systems, to incorporate its advanced scanning technology into the Honeywell Battery Manufacturing Excellence Platform (MXP). Titan’s ultrasound scanning solution facilitates real-time, in-line assessment of battery quality, identifying manufacturing defects that may not be detectable through conventional methods.
The comprehensive testing provided by Titan’s technology for each battery cell promotes quicker defect identification and overall efficiency improvements in the manufacturing process, particularly beneficial for early-stage gigafactories. By integrating this technology into the Honeywell Battery MXP, battery manufacturers will achieve extensive, end-to-end visibility into their production processes, enabling the cost-effective and high-quality manufacturing of batteries at the scale necessary to meet current electrification demands.
New Safety Sensors Identify Signs of Thermal Runaway in EV Batteries Prior to Potential Fire.
Honeywell Sensing Solutions is introducing a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery safety sensor designed for electric vehicles (EVs). The Battery Safety Electrolyte Sensor (BES) employs Li-ion Tamer™ electrolyte gas detection technology to identify “first vent” occurrences, which serve as early warning signs of a possible battery fire. These indicators can provide alerts between 5 to 20 minutes prior to the onset of a fire.
The BES technology is capable of detecting gases emitted by a malfunctioning battery cell before thermal runaway occurs, functioning as an early-warning mechanism within an EV supervisory system. This allows operators to take preventive measures against battery fires, thereby potentially safeguarding lives and minimizing substantial property damage. Additionally, the sensors assist automotive manufacturers in adhering to Global Technical Regulation No. 20 (Electric Vehicle Safety) and other forthcoming battery safety standards.