Fraunhofer Institute for High-Speed Dynamics, Ernst-Mach-Institut, EMIFraunhofer EMI is researching the safety of high-voltage battery systems under crash loads and thermal runaway.
Within the joint project HYDRO, Airbus Helicopters replaces one of two engines in its PioneerLab technology demonstration helicopter by an electric drive train. Fraunhofer EMI supports these activities with investigating the high-voltage battery system under crash loadings and thermal runaway conditions. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action based on a resolution of the German Bundestag within the LuFo VI-3 program. These research activities are the basis for future electric or hybrid-electric helicopter concepts, which will enable a reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Based on its extensive knowledge in automotive battery safety, the battery team at Fraunhofer EMI, in close cooperation with the engineers at Airbus Helicopters, will elaborate reliable strategies for the safe integration of battery systems in future helicopter systems.
Therefore, the battery test team will conduct abuse tests on module and cell level covering both crash and thermal runaway conditions. These highly-instrumented tests will enrich the knowledge of the behaviour of the battery system under abnormal conditions. Furthermore, the battery simulation team will build up simulation models for both crash and thermal runaway. These simulation models, validated by the inhouse test data, will be used for design optimization of hazard mitigation means and risk analysis studies. Thus, Fraunhofer EMI supports the safe integration of the battery system into the flying platforms such as the Airbus PioneerLab.
