CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS:
-The COMSOL Multiphysics® software continues to be at the forefront of new automotive research as well as electric vehicle (EV) development.
-COMSOL Multiphysics® provides design engineers with a streamlined way to validate and optimize their designs.
-Not only can the COMSOL® software simulate thermal runaway propagation in battery packs, but it can also predict its onset with cell-level electrochemical models.
How is the year 2022 progressing for COMSOL? Any key developments?
So far, 2022 has been extremely fruitful in terms of improving our products and expanding their usage. The COMSOL Multiphysics® software continues to be at the forefront of new automotive research as well as electric vehicle (EV) development. For instance, our software has assisted in the development of more efficient motors and batteries and in the prediction and optimization of noise and vibrations in the vehicle. The use of our software has been expanding worldwide and across all sectors, including private industries, government research organizations, and academia. We have also conducted several events, including our 1-day COMSOL Days, which focus on the role of multiphysics simulation in specific areas, such as automotive R&D, electromagnetics, design optimization, and more. COMSOL Days have garnered great participation globally from industry professionals and researchers across all fields.
Kindly introduce us to the COMSOL Product Suite and its highlights.
COMSOL Multiphysics ® is a software platform for creating multiphysics models. You can also create your own simulation apps with the built-in Application Builder and efficiently store and perform version control of your models with the platform’s Model Manager. In addition to the platform product, COMSOL Compiler™ and COMSOL Server™ enable you to compile and deploy simulation apps. We have several additional modules across different categories (such as the AC/DC, CFD, Heat Transfer, Structural Mechanics, Acoustics, and Battery Design modules, to name a few) that provide specialized functionality and connect seamlessly for a modeling workflow that remains the same regardless of what you are modeling. We also offer interfacing modules for connecting with CAD and other third-party software.
According to you, what are some upcoming technology trends that we are likely to witness in the EV space?
The fundamental shift toward electrification in the mobility space has increased the demand for innovative technologies. Due to this, we expect to see multiphysics simulation play a key role in improving the understanding, design, and optimization of new EV technology and more efficient batteries and electric motors which constitute the fulcrum of the electrification trend. We are also witnessing a focus on the development of sensors and antennas, sound systems of higher quality, improved brake technologies that are able to handle new drivetrains and harvest energy, and more.
How can multiphysics simulation be leveraged for new mobility solutions?
Innovating and performing design iterations with physical experiments is expensive in terms of time and resources. COMSOL Multiphysics® provides design engineers with a streamlined way to validate and optimize their designs. Researchers can accurately account for a number of different physical effects by coupling multiple physics in a single model. For example, we can predict the noise and vibrations generated in motors by coupling electromagnetics, structural mechanics, and acoustics. Furthermore, we can study and optimize the thermal management of battery packs by modeling a system that couples electrochemistry, heat transfer, and fluid flow.
What is COMSOL aiming for in 2022?
Our team is currently focused on the development of the new version of COMSOL Multiphysics®, which will have various updates relevant to the growing EV space. There will be new functionality for modeling batteries, motors, and power transmissions. The new features will also assist users in solving pressing R&D problems. These include thermal runaway in battery packs, which is one of the main issues in EV development right now. Not only can the COMSOL® software simulate thermal runaway propagation in battery packs, but it can also predict its onset with cell-level electrochemical models. We have also seen a lot of focus on the R&D of fuel cells for ndustry use. COMSOL Multiphysics® has recently included a dedicated add-on product for the simulation of fuel cells and electrolyzer systems. This is just a glimpse of what COMSOL offers. For more information and to stay up to date on new developments, visit comsol.com.