Unfortunately, as we all learned in the early hours of 14 March, a terrible fire devastated the E-Paddock at Jerez. (see news on the site Motogp.com)
The facility dedicated exclusively to MotoE, kept all 18 le Energetic Ego Race engaged in the test on the Andalusian circuit, The new generation of feeders and the whole team of material.
L’E-Paddock, in fact, is a very innovative structure and designed to be energy-independent. In practice it is the home of END Enel MotoE whose launch scheduled for 5 It may at Jerez will certainly be delayed precisely because of the serious damage of this fire.
But what sparked the fire in the Jerez night?
The first supposition – without any concrete evidence – They concerned the batteries and short circuit while loading, but they were immediately denied by both Energetic both Dorna.
In official communications we speak so of a short circuit and a'Still ongoing investigation to identify where it happened, and it is clearly stated that none of the bike was at that time in office. Sources unofficial report that the spark would be started from a charging station prototype added at the last minute.
After Party, the fire was difficult to control and reached the lithium batteries of Energetic and all accumulators has produced devastating effects eating up all that was inside of E-Paddock.
Obviously this E-Paddock fire Jerez door topical the issue of security and risks related to a technology with which we still have little experience. fundamental, therefore, ask for more clarification to those who work there for more than a decade: Giampiero Testoni, Chief Technical Officer Energica, He responded to a series of questions on the issue and carry below in full.
1. What is the risk of fire in half Energetic?
The tests that we carry out on vehicles in general are inherited from tests on road vehicles over the years and meet safety standards for the appropriate use of the same in all driving situations.
None of our customers have never had such problems, in 10 years in the EV world we have never had any security problem, even in Jerez about what happened. We are so calm and confident about the security of our means, both on the track and on the street.
2. What are the real risks of fire in the electric comparison with the endothermic?
As with all vehicles, that are electric or endothermic, there is always a risk. An important fact to note is that the energy contained in the fossil fuel is much greater than that contained in the batteries.
3. The thermal runaway is a present risk for motorcycles Energica?
The thermal runaway This is a risk of each battery, then not only vehicles but also, eg, mobile. We have all the safety devices that prevent the battery reach this condition, and in fact we confirm that we've never had only one event thermal runaway in 10 years.
4. What measures are being adopted at a safe level to avoid such a situation on the bike?
There are several safety devices within the battery pack and the vehicle in general in order to avoid dangerous situations. The battery is controlled both at the level of temperature and voltage, then during a phase of charging the vehicle's electronic management will not allow the vehicle to reach high temperatures that may cause damage to the battery and possible fire (the thermal runaway).
In a situation of use, if the battery exceeds a certain temperature, It is reduced the power of the vehicle and therefore the absorption of current from the battery. In this way it is always guaranteed to remain far from the risk of thermal runaway.
5. The racing bike has never highlighted overheating problems?
The racing motorcycle has remained in usage limits tested by Energetic throughout the 2018 with our tester, who have tens of thousands of kilometers on the track. The bike itself has inherited the safety standard set for all of our road vehicles, approved and certified EU and USA, and experience on the hundreds of thousands of kilometers of road tests. The security for us has always been the # 1 priority. In addition, for the racing battery, Further tests were made with IRTA to evaluate the goodness of so extreme with testing battery pack will not even be required for road vehicles. All these tests have been overcome very well going far beyond everyone's expectations, of ourselves.
6. How does the charging process?
The charging process is on track both on the road is in accordance with the CCS standard, an international standard certificate and approved of automotive derivation. Energetic is currently the only home of the sector 2 wheels to have adopted this standard on their vehicles, It is an extremely complex and expensive protocol, but consequently also extremely secure and tested by all car manufacturers and major world bodies. The standard handles communication between the column and the vehicle, initiating the charging process. In case of malfunctions, the process is immediately interrupted.
7. What happens when you stop the charging process of the bike?
Once you have finished charging the battery contactors open and therefore there is more tension.
8. Which tests were carried out to ensure the safety of the battery pack of the bike racing in case of fall? What results have given?
We made several tests, is that of the battery casing mechanical resistance, both in impact resistance test with blunt weight. The results went well above our expectations and above the traditional tests done to racing tanks for petrol.
9. What does the team Energetic present in the E-paddock?
We assist the technical team for any technical needs, or in case of an accident, we support team for any needs or concerns regarding electronics. We are also in of teams available for any consultation, always and only in relation to the motion.
10. As you are moving now Energica to re-produce the motion necessary for the competition? What will be the process?
The damage was considerable but already from the incident that morning we went into action to allow the league to start again. For us it is a major effort, but we are aware of our possibilities and we strongly believe in the project so we will do everything to save the league. We are working closely with our supplier, and with Dorna sponsors and Enel X so that the competition can make his debut as soon as possible. Our commitment to Motoe was immediate and sustained these events have in no way undermined our confidence in the strength and importance of the FIM World Cup Enel Motoe.
I just have to wish a big good luck to Sustain, Enel X and Dorna for the great job that it is for them and renew my deepest sympathy to all the team and the people in a few hours they saw go up in smoke all their work. Do not give up! #CantHoldUs
Read more with the article on Everything you need to know about MotoE or on the one dedicated to Jerez test.
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