Cell Instrumentation - Embedding novel miniature sensors inside battery cells to create the next generation smart cells
Research Group Activity
The WMG cell instrumentation team helps understand the inner workings of cells through modelling and sensor instrumentation. The current generation of li-ion cells used in the automotive market lack the precise monitoring and safety hardware required to fulfil electrification of the aerospace industry.
Our team installs sensors such as traditional thermocouples and thermocouples inside cells, along with cutting edge novel instrumentation including fibre optics and MEMS sensing. Installing such devices enables us to create smart cells, capable of enhancing the capabilities of li-ion cells, ready for the most demanding of applications.
Project Description
Creating next generation battery cells requires development from the ground up; hardware engineering, to fabricate components for smart cells; performance engineering, to verify the repeatability and reliability of our cells; and software engineering, to interface these smart cells to a standard platform, fit for deployment.
In this project, we ideally propose the candidate will be working in our laboratories (subject to restrictions being eased) and be hands-on with the development of these smart cells. In particular we are on the cusp of completing the initial development stages of a novel instrumentation technique.
This stage involves a specially refined drilling process to enable sensors to be inserted into cells, with minimal impact to cell performance. We propose this will form part of the project, with focus on verifying the repeatability and reliability of this process, using the gold-standard measurement equipment available at WMG.
Upon finalisation of our instrumentation process, the next key element of our development path is to promote our sensors (and data capture) in an eye-catching promotion stand. This will showcase the benefits of advanced instrumentation and thorough data analysis.
This presentation stand will be used by the candidate and our team to promote our instrumentation activities and attract potential clients from the manufacturing, automotive and aerospace industries. It is proposed data will be captured in real time, and will be displayed as part of an interactive demo via an attractive user interface.
Our enhanced techniques enable, for example, temperature data to be recorded precisely along the length of a cell. During this project, these data can be transformed, potentially gathered simultaneously from a range of sensors, into an appealing display, mapping, for example, temperature data over the volume of a cell in real time.
The candidate will be expected to work with the data acquisition hardware (configuring the sensor input channels), program interface code to communicate with sensor hardware and develop a tidy but informative user interface panel.
Note: This is a lab-based project. The intern will be required to follow all COVID-related safety precautions, along with all other laboratory health & safety requirements. If the project cannot proceed due to any restrictions in place, then the following 'Plan-B' project will be offered:
The work in this project has been split into the hardware development (smart cells) and processing the data (software coding). If laboratory access is not possible, data could potentially be gathered by an on-site engineer, and provided for analysis. It is suggested the software coding can be performed without lab access (or remote access to a computer with connected hardware may be possible, if needed). We aim to adapt this project to the relevant restrictions, and we are flexible regarding completing the software coding prior to the lab based tasks or concurrent working as needed.
Required Skills
Basic knowledge of developing sensors/interface circuitry.
Experience with data acquisition hardware or data digitisation (e.g. microcontrollers).
Experience recording experimental data (e.g. MATLAB) and performing signal processing.
Development of graphical user interface (for example in MATLAB, LabVIEW or similar).
Basic understanding of li-ion cell operation.
Presentation skills to document software development.
Excellent team working skills to liaison with sensor development engineers.
Apply for this Project
If you wish to apply for this project, fill in the form below including uploading your CV and personal statement, explaining why you want to do this particular internship project. Attachments must be in PDF format.
