While 2022 seemed to go by in a flash, we feel lucky that we were able to help companies like yours with their battery data. While predictive analytics offers insights into battery safety and performance, and often gets the most coverage and attention in the media, we also spend a lot of time working with customers on the foundations of their battery data. Where does it come from, how does it get stored and tracked, and how can it be conveniently referenced from one place? And most importantly, how can you trace your battery data down to the individual cell level, tagged by serial number, over its lifetime, and enjoy the benefits that provides?
A focus on battery data was a major part of the topics we explored in this year’s Battery Smarts newsletters, such as the importance of battery lot traceability, a look at how battery data analytics can benefit metrology, and the three hidden benefits of industrial automation. Most recently, we looked at why threading battery data down to the individual cell level can help companies ensure eVTOL and UAM batteries are fit to fly.
This year overall we had thousands of views of the newsletter and reached a wider audience than ever before, with a 60% increase from last year. Thank you once again for your interest and support.
We’ve reached out in the past about topics you’d like to see us cover. Some of the feedback has so far included:
- How do I ingest, normalize, feature extract and report on ECT, XPS, SEM/TEM and other types of data?
- How can I capture the initial set of quality control data and gating metrics for R&D and manufacturing?
- How can I install, integrate, and manage telemetry from the data extracted by the BMS?
- How do I create a report summarizing BMS alarms for field deployed assets?
- How do I securely collect, store, analyze and visualize live telemetry generated by field deployed batteries?
- How can I establish multi-tenant controls and access to performance metrics and visualization tools?
On a more general level, we hear customers expressing these needs frequently:
- How can I better track that I’m manufacturing batteries according to the specifications promised to my customers?
- How can I track in real time which batteries don’t meet quality standards during manufacture, before they proceed down the line?
- How can I use my data to better ensure my batteries can be operated safely and within expected tolerances?
- How can I intelligently respond to a recall scenario without having to de-commission the entire fleet?
- If there are problems with deployed batteries, how can I apply those learnings to upstream manufacturing processes?
If any of these topics resonate with you, please feel free to let us know and we’ll cover them in a future issue. We look forward to addressing these and more topics in the coming year. In the meantime, here’s a look back at the top three most read issues in the past year. Please take a look if you haven’t already!
#3: Capturing battery assembly data – a real-life example
While battery technologies and approaches may differ greatly among battery companies, they all benefit from a detailed accounting of how each serialized battery or cell is manufactured. In this issue, we look at a real-life example of this unique approach to battery analytics by tracing the creation of a battery through the manufacturing line.
#2: The build vs. buy question
While there are valid arguments for both building and buying, a hybrid approach takes most advantage of a purchased solution, while also offering the flexibility of a custom solution. Wide differences in business models, battery technologies and use cases can prevent a “one-size-fits-all” software stack from succeeding. But there are some key capabilities to look for in evaluating solutions to make sure these risks are mitigated. In this case, it’s truly possible to have the best of both worlds.
#1: What is blockchain and how can it be used in the energy sector?
Blockchain is much more than cryptocurrencies. Combined with software that allows granular tracking of battery manufacturing and service data, it can open the door to improved manufacturing efficiency and quality, and even new markets. Companies that are working to digitize the supply chain for batteries stand to benefit from these developments the most.
