Savant Labs Expand Testing Capabilities in Electric Vehicle Lubricants and Fluids
Savant Labs, an independent testing laboratory and research center, announced the expansion of its hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV and EV) testing capabilities for lubricating oils, fluids, and greases. The evolution of fully electric and hybrid transportation continues to evolve, and the same is true with the test methods and equipment for those critical areas of interest.
Midland, MI, November 17, 2021 --(PR.com)-- Savant Labs, an independent testing laboratory and research center, announced the expansion of its hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV and EV) testing capabilities for lubricating oils, fluids, and greases. The evolution of fully electric and hybrid transportation continues to evolve, and the same is true with the test methods and equipment for those critical areas of interest.
Many EV components are made from materials not typical in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and there are different material compatibility requirements for EV fluids. In addition, the EV powertrain has fewer moving parts and operates under conditions that are, in many ways, different than those of ICE vehicles. The fluid performance characteristics of electrical conductivity, thermal transfer, copper corrosion protection, and elastomer compatibility are key considerations. Developing and testing lubricants and fluids engineered to meet the specific requirements for electric vehicles are critical to providing protection and assurance.
New Testing Capabilities
Of concern are corrosion, deposits, and conductive deposits. Different EV drivetrain fluid formulations may have inherently varying corrosion rates producing conducting layer deposits in both solution and vapor phases. Conductive deposits form from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and the copper at elevated temperatures under low voltage electrified conditions both in the fluid and at the vapor state.
The Wire Corrosion Test (WCT), originally developed by Lubrizol, is a new test offered by Savant Labs. In agreement with Lubrizol, Savant Labs are the sole source for this testing service in North America.
The WCT identifies corrosion and depletion of copper on a test wire in both fluid and vapor state. The WCT concept is to evaluate chemical reactions forming corrosion at temperatures compatible to actual performance. Oxidation and the ensuing chemical reaction on the copper wire can cause depletion of the motor winding in the EV powertrain. A sensitive wire resistance measurement method is utilized to provide a real-time assessment of copper loss due to corrosion. This test provides formulators a direct, quantitative measurement of this important attribute as opposed to current methods that attempt to infer this from visual inspection or copper concentrations in solution.
In addition, Conductive Deposit Test (CDT), equipment developed by Tannas Co.is now also available.
CDT is a unique test in that it identifies the formation of conductive bridging between tightly spaced conductors under an applied voltage. CDT emulates conditions where you have multiple conductors in close proximity in contact with lubricating fluids under potentially restricted flow conditions or condensed vapors. Motor windings are a good example.
The CDT reveals destructive conductive deposits forming from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and copper at elevated temperatures under low voltage, electrified conditions, both in the fluid and vapor state. The formation of conducting layer deposits, a corrosion product, has been identified as a failure mechanism for current electric motor designs. A measurement of resistance across a gap is used as an assessment of the deposit formation.
Both CDT and WCT tests are available at Savant Labs.
“Our commitment to expand our testing capabilities and highly skilled workforce allows us to help our customers prepare for the future as they develop new EV fluids to meet the expanding EV industry requirements,” said Norm Kanar, Marketing & Sales Manager. “New challenges will arise to meet the demands for EV fluids and Savant Labs are here to assist with solving the more complex issues.”
Contact Savant Labs to discuss our EV and HEV testing capabilities. For additional information, contact Norm Kanar, Marketing & Sales Manager, at nkanar@savantgroup.com or call + (989) 496-2301.
Many EV components are made from materials not typical in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and there are different material compatibility requirements for EV fluids. In addition, the EV powertrain has fewer moving parts and operates under conditions that are, in many ways, different than those of ICE vehicles. The fluid performance characteristics of electrical conductivity, thermal transfer, copper corrosion protection, and elastomer compatibility are key considerations. Developing and testing lubricants and fluids engineered to meet the specific requirements for electric vehicles are critical to providing protection and assurance.
New Testing Capabilities
Of concern are corrosion, deposits, and conductive deposits. Different EV drivetrain fluid formulations may have inherently varying corrosion rates producing conducting layer deposits in both solution and vapor phases. Conductive deposits form from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and the copper at elevated temperatures under low voltage electrified conditions both in the fluid and at the vapor state.
The Wire Corrosion Test (WCT), originally developed by Lubrizol, is a new test offered by Savant Labs. In agreement with Lubrizol, Savant Labs are the sole source for this testing service in North America.
The WCT identifies corrosion and depletion of copper on a test wire in both fluid and vapor state. The WCT concept is to evaluate chemical reactions forming corrosion at temperatures compatible to actual performance. Oxidation and the ensuing chemical reaction on the copper wire can cause depletion of the motor winding in the EV powertrain. A sensitive wire resistance measurement method is utilized to provide a real-time assessment of copper loss due to corrosion. This test provides formulators a direct, quantitative measurement of this important attribute as opposed to current methods that attempt to infer this from visual inspection or copper concentrations in solution.
In addition, Conductive Deposit Test (CDT), equipment developed by Tannas Co.is now also available.
CDT is a unique test in that it identifies the formation of conductive bridging between tightly spaced conductors under an applied voltage. CDT emulates conditions where you have multiple conductors in close proximity in contact with lubricating fluids under potentially restricted flow conditions or condensed vapors. Motor windings are a good example.
The CDT reveals destructive conductive deposits forming from the chemical reaction of the lubricating fluid and copper at elevated temperatures under low voltage, electrified conditions, both in the fluid and vapor state. The formation of conducting layer deposits, a corrosion product, has been identified as a failure mechanism for current electric motor designs. A measurement of resistance across a gap is used as an assessment of the deposit formation.
Both CDT and WCT tests are available at Savant Labs.
“Our commitment to expand our testing capabilities and highly skilled workforce allows us to help our customers prepare for the future as they develop new EV fluids to meet the expanding EV industry requirements,” said Norm Kanar, Marketing & Sales Manager. “New challenges will arise to meet the demands for EV fluids and Savant Labs are here to assist with solving the more complex issues.”
Contact Savant Labs to discuss our EV and HEV testing capabilities. For additional information, contact Norm Kanar, Marketing & Sales Manager, at nkanar@savantgroup.com or call + (989) 496-2301.
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989-496-2301
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Norm Kanar
989-496-2301
savantlab.com
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