Why Benjamin chose NOVUM, what fascinates him about battery data and why simple methods are sometimes the best.
How did you hear about NOVUM and what made you want to join our team? What professional experience do you have?
I already knew NOVUM from my time as a research assistant. I worked on the BMSmart project, in which Novum is also involved — albeit with Professor Bocklisch at TU Dresden. Back then, I had my first contact with field data and the question of how to transfer laboratory methods to real-life conditions. This often fails due to the quality of the data. Professionally, this is called battery system engineering, but my job is primarily battery system analysis.
How did you experience the application process and the interview?
The job was advertised, I thought: Why not? A good opportunity to stay in the battery sector. The interview was pleasantly direct, uncomplicated and quick, which I really liked. My impression was also that people with a similar enthusiasm for technology work at NOVUM. It’s a kind of nerdy vibe, in the best sense of the word.
What fascinates you about battery and system analysis?
I am fascinated by how much information can be obtained from just a few signals: current, voltage, temperature. There are exciting mathematical approaches to gain very detailed insights into a battery from this data. I find model-based diagnostic methods particularly exciting. However, field data is often somewhat limited. A simple approach to applying “laboratory methods” in the field would be to detect suitable relaxation phases in the time series, for example. An initial evaluation can then take place at these points. But there is much more to it! I’ve ended up in the field of electrical modeling and online diagnostics – that interests me more than aging models, which are often imprecise and difficult to transfer. With online diagnostics, I look specifically at how the cell ages during operation, which is more precise and closer to reality.
How do you rate the level of knowledge in the industry?
To be honest, many people know surprisingly little about the systems they buy or sell. A lot of knowledge transfer is needed. I find it exciting to explain complex relationships in a way that makes them understandable. The best layman’s description of battery care that I know is: treat it like a human being — not too hot, not too cold, and a pleasant amount of tension in life.
What are you currently working on at NOVUM?
I am currently involved in the Storage-Guard project environment, although the exact task is still being clarified. I also take on tasks in consulting, e.g. preliminary work in the area of certification. I work 35 hours a week, deliberately chosen to maintain a healthy balance.
What do you think is special about battery data analysis at NOVUM?
The application of methods such as differential capacitance and voltage analysis to field data. I have never encountered this before in this form. NOVUM is trying out exactly that. They are testing how much can be transferred from research to real data, with success! I find that very exciting.
What specific added value do NOVUM’s products offer customers?
In short: time savings and risk reduction. And ultimately this also means cost savings. Some decisions are better made with the right data. And quieter nights for asset managers, which means quality of life.
What is your experience of working at NOVUM – professionally and as part of a team?
I haven’t got to know them all yet, but I get on well with all of them. There is a lot of technical know-how and what I particularly appreciate is the courage to test even complex approaches from the literature in practice. Solutions are also developed that circumvent the theoretical limitations of some methods.
What motivates you — professionally and privately?
On the one hand, I also deal with the subject of battery diagnostics in my spare time – sometimes perhaps too much. But I simply enjoy it. I now divide it up better: Today a paper, tomorrow a script – step by step. I also have a dog with my partner: a Labrador-Australian Shepherd mix. The Saxon term for his character is “Rumbuff” — open to stimuli, full of energy and a thirst for discovery and a bit crazy. We make sure that he can work off his energy both mentally and physically – he does the same with us. Just like I do at work. Except that I don’t get any treats.
