W.S.G. Isaac Newton

Super-B develops and manufactures high-end Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries for various applications. In its quest for higher-density batteries, the more energy-dense prismatic LFP cells are used, increasing the packing of cells in the batteries. This comes at a cost of less air to cool the batteries when heat is generated at high current rates. The goal of my internship was to continue research and testing in the cooling of these prismatic cells without significant loss in usable energy stored in the battery. The focus was on using actively cooled cold plates and the design aspects related to integrating such an element in an LFP battery pack. Problems ranging from condensation mitigation to determining the required cooling power came up.

During my internship, I combined my love for electronics and mechanical engineering in an experimental setup. Both in building and testing the setup, I received guidance from the employees, but I was also trusted to work independently. I gained valuable experience working on the test setup concerning batteries, safety and high-power systems. In addition, I learned a lot from my colleagues at Super-B, both in the fields of electrical and mechanical engineering. I was also able to fill certain knowledge gaps concerning the cooling of batteries.

I liked the challenge of the more practical side of building, testing and integrating a new technology in an existing system, compared to the more theoretical university courses. I was also able to join discussions on a new product being developed, where I was able to give input on the design aspects. All in all, I really enjoyed working at Super-B with the amazing colleagues and the incredible products the company produces.