Safety for German Electric Mobility: SGS Provides Consulting, Training and Risk Analysis

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, October 06, 2010 (Press-News.org) Promotion and development of electric mobility in Germany is taking place through the funding of regional development clusters. With funding from the German Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs (BMVBS), these clusters are being established as a first step toward establishing Germany as a market leader in E-mobility.

E-Mobility Regions in Germany

Across the eight selected model regions, a range of technological and operational concepts are being tested and compared. Of particular interest are the ways in which the various concepts would integrate competing vehicle technologies with transportation modes and business models, utilisation patterns, charging infrastructures, and the interests of manufacturers, transport services operators and end users.

E-mobility systems require a rethink of safety ideas as they present their own unique safety risks, including currents and high voltages originating from HV-train and charging stations; potential failure of battery management and other control systems; vehicular accidents; and chemical and electrical hazards related to traction battery systems. In response, ISO, IEC and other standardisation groups are looking at the development of safety requirements for a range of e-mobility vehicles and their components. These vehicles and subsystems include Pedelecs, battery-e-cars, plug-in hybrids, inverters, e-motors, battery cells and voltage cabling.

Importance of Risk Management

Critical to the success of the German Electric Mobility program is that it proceed without any safety related incidents involving accidents or the creation of hazards. Any such incidents could represent significant barriers to the acceptance of new e-mobility technologies.

In partnership with R&D specialists from the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg and other German institutions, an SGS research group has worked to develop a safety assurance process (http://www.de.sgs.com/de/quality_inspections-de-2?) for the Model Region Program. This has been essential, as safety standards for electric mobility have not as yet been fully developed.

Central to this was the analysis of important vehicle safety data (http://www.de.sgs.com/automotive_de_index/failure_and_damage_de-2.htm), which was undertaken using innovative checklists to ensure the completeness of safety documentation. Technical services would work to fill any missing information found in the existing documentation. This checklist was integral to the Model Regions program, and covered electric safety, electromagnetic immunity, crash safety and battery safety.

Focus on Battery Safety

Battery systems used in E-mobility projects require special attention due to their complexity, high density and multifunctional nature. These systems have internal electronic safety features which must be tested to ensure batteries are resilient to short circuiting, crushing and overcharging. A clear safety strategy (http://www.de.sgs.com/automotive_de_index/value_chain_de-2.htm) must be present in the battery design, along with quality documentation of the cell production process.

E-mobility operators, OEMs and Tiers can all be supported in the safety-related aspects of their e-mobility projects by the training, consulting and risk analysis services offered by SGS.

If you are seeking information on e-mobility services, please contact:

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Detlef Hoffmann
Product Manager E-Mobility SGS Germany GmbH
Hofmannstr. 50, 81379 München, Germany

Phone number: +49 89 787475 400
E-mail: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.de.sgs.com/automotive_de_index.htm?selen=1&

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With 59,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Consumer Testing Services ensures the quality and safety of every kind of consumer products, from textiles, electronics and furniture to food and automotive. Our customers in these distinct manufacturing industries rely on our inspection and testing capabilities and laboratories to help them comply with the regulatory requirements governing their products, as well as to ensure the integrity of the inputs received from their suppliers.
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