Hanau, June 26, 2018
Heraeus at Sensor+Test 2018: Platinum sensors – a key technology for
leveraging e-mobility
From June 26 through June 28, 2018, the Heraeus technology group will
present platinum sensors that regulate temperature management in
electric vehicles at Sensor+Test 2018 in Nuremberg. Using new technology
concepts, Heraeus’ sensors make it possible to overcome temperature
limits and use drift-stable thin film technology to ensure precise
measurement data, specifically in relevant e-mobility applications like
electric motors, high-performance electronics, charging sockets and
batteries.
In order for electric vehicles to be accepted by customers around the
world, automobile manufacturers must ensure that criteria like a
satisfactory distance range and life span are met. A high distance range
and rapid charging times, however, require high load currents, which in
turn increase the risk of relevant components like batteries or charging
plugs overheating.
Platinum thin film SMD technology enables drift-stable long-term use
In light of these technical challenges, Heraeus’ platinum thin film sensors
ensure reliable temperature control and guarantee high long-term
stability at measured ranges of up to 300°C. Measured temperature data
is recorded with great precision throughout the expected life span. The
SMD type of assembly brings advantages with respect to performance and
life span.
“Heraeus sees platinum temperature sensors as a key component in being
able to make full use of potential advances in technology and thereby
ultimately leveraging e-mobility,” says Dr. Gerold Kerkhoff, Head of
Heraeus Emerging Business Sensors.
Batteries – leaving performance limits behind
The less accurate temperature control is in batteries, the greater the
safety buffers required to protect the battery from being overloaded. That
in turn has detrimental effects on range and efficiency of performance.
Platinum thin film sensors are extremely precise and, because of the
material from which they are made, very stable at high temperatures,
thereby ensuring accurate measured data throughout the life span. With
optimized coupling and an appropriate choice of casing, they ensure that
critical temperatures can be detected early on. Batteries can therefore be
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operated near their specification limits without damage. That leads to
increased safety, better performance and a longer life span.
Charging plugs – high charging performance for short charging times
This requirement, in turn, means high load currents. To prevent the risk of
overheating and avoid damage in the contact area, integrated platinum
sensors measure heat development in real time and analyze the data. In
order to optimally control charging performance, platinum sensors ensure
a high level of safety in this area of application as well.
High-performance electronics – more power with lower energy
consumption
High-performance electronics modules are responsible for energy
distribution and energy management in electric vehicles. The long-term
stability and precision of platinum sensors at high temperatures makes it
possible to work near high-performance chips’ load limits. This leads to a
clear improvement in performance with lower energy consumption. At the
same time, the high temperatures used open up new possibilities for the
use of cutting-edge materials systems based on silicon carbide (SIC) and
gallium nitride (GaN). Specially developed sinterable SMD temperature
sensors also support innovative production methods and more compact
designs.
Electric motors – new construction type requires reliable temperature
control
In electric motors, high-performance electronics are located very close to
the motor, meaning all the components get heated up. Pt sensors, with
their stable drift behavior and great temperature-measuring accuracy,
create optimal conditions for protecting this essential and very valuable
module throughout its entire life span.
In the area of e-mobility, Heraeus platinum temperature sensors ensure
precise, stable temperature control and thereby help maximize
performance efficiency. “Anyone in a position to use precise temperature
measurements to fully maximize battery or motor performance without a
safety buffer will be able to provide their customers more than the
competition,” emphasizes Gerold Kerkhoff.