Application-Specific Optimisation: From System Level to Hardware/Software Components - Interview with Simon Hart at the University of Nottingham

In this interview between Automotive IQ and Simon Hart, Honorary Associate Professor in Power Conversion for Electrical Transportation at the University of Nottingham, Simon delves into crucial aspects of thermal management in traction power system design. He emphasises the significance of optimising not only for lowest temperatures but also for reducing losses and utilising ideal temperatures.

Simon discusses the feasibility of a single coolant selection for the vehicle powertrain, advocating for a strategic approach that balances inventory reduction with the necessity for separate cooling loops tailored to specific components. He also comments on the balance between integration and flexible design, stressing the importance of both component serviceability and system-wide integration. Furthermore, Simon sheds light on the relationship between software and hardware, highlighting how their co-design can lead to more efficient solutions, as well as exploring methods to mitigate thermal resistance and losses while supporting scalability.