Projects
Learn more about previous research and design projects I've worked on.
*Please note that several design projects which are covered by confidentiality agreements are not shown
GM EV First Responder Training Program
I was the subject matter expert who prepared and presented a training program focusing on "Battery Packs & Hazards" to more than 5000 first responders across North America. This training was also recorded and is now posted online for free use. Click here to navigate to the training website. Additionally, I presented at the 2023 Battery Safety Summit on the learnings and outcomes of the training program.
Development of Thermal Runaway Performace
My focused work on the Ultium platform involved design improvements for thermal runaway performance across various aspects of the battery pack. This included enhancing cell-cell propagation barriers, optimizing vent gas management components, and conducting full system evaluations. The battery packs I worked on are utilized across the Ultium platform in vehicles such as the Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq, Blazer EV, Chevrolet Equinox, and more.
1D Thermal Runaway Cell-Cell Propagation Model
I created a 1D thermal model using GT Power to explore the fundamentals of battery system sensitivity to design parameters, including cell design/chemistry and cooling design. This involved conducting high factorial sensitivity evaluations in GT Power. Additionally, I developed a machine learning tool to predict new design evaluations for new architectures based on case information.
Modeling of Dynamic Reconfiguration Performance Evaluation with State-of-Health Minded Control
This project was part of my Master's research at UW-Madison. The research was conducted using MATLAB & Simulink, leveraging the university's High-Performance Computing Cluster. The study aimed to improve battery system range by implementing a power electronic switch network to dynamically re-arrange cell series-parallel configurations. An optimization method was employed for reconfiguration based on the state of health tracking of individual cells. Click here for report download.
Battery Dimensional Changes for State-of-Charge Estimation
This study was part of my Master's thesis, which investigated the potential use of measuring battery dimensional changes in conjunction with a State-of-Charge Algorithm to enhance estimation accuracy. The research was conducted at the WEMPEC lab, where cells were evaluated using both position sensors and strain gauge sensors. Evaluations included analyzing the effects on constant current cycling over the lifespan of the batteries, as well as dynamic pulse currents. For further details, you can redirect to the IEEE proceedings of this paper or download the PDF report.
Direct Comparison of State-of-Charge and State-of-Energy Metrics for Li-Ion Battery Energy Storage
This project, part of my Master's thesis, involved a direct experimental evaluation of differences between State of Charge (SOC) and State of Energy (SOE) metrics for lithium-ion storage batteries. The investigation covered SOC-SOE metric differences across various parameters, including single constant-current-constant-voltage (CCCV) cycles, environmental temperature effects, and battery aging over its lifespan. For more information, you can redirect to the IEEE conference proceedings or download the paper in PDF format.
Lithium-Oxygen Chemistry & Battery System Safety Performance Evaluation for Department of Defense
During my internship with The Aerospace Corporation, I undertook two main projects. The first involved evaluating the safety performance of a small battery system used in Department of Defense applications. My evaluations included conducting cell-level assessments such as pouch cell hot plate testing, overcharge testing, and cycling abuse testing.
The second project focused on a swage-lok cell study concerning lithium-oxygen active material chemistry.
This research was submitted to the Journal of Power Sources, click here to navigate to the paper website.