Presentation Profile
How the Evolution of Electric Drives is Changing Copper Corrosion and Deposit Testing
Currently Scheduled: 10/13/2021 - 8:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Room: Orchid Room
Main Author
Greg Miiler - The Savant Group
- Greg Hunt - The Lubrizol Corporation
Abstract:
Increasing use of electrified drivetrains enables automotive manufacturers to significantly reduce carbon emissions. If the electric motor and its corresponding electronics are in contact with lubricant or its vapor, this raises new concerns regarding copper corrosion and the potential formation of conductive deposits. Unlike conventional vehicles where copper and copper alloys are in the form of mechanical parts, copper is now also present in the form of electric motor windings and electronic connectors. Corrosion of the motor windings, sensors and other electronics can lead to immediate and severe problems with vehicle operation. Hence, a detailed understanding of the interaction of the lubricant with the copper components and wiring is critical. In this presentation we will first review the use of copper strip immersion tests as a tool to evaluate lubricant performance and describe their shortcomings to access lubricant suitability for electrified drivetrains. We will describe two new methodologies, the Wire Corrosion Test (WCT) and the Conductive Deposit Test (CDT), that together provide a predictive assessment of the corrosion and deposit risk in electrified systems. Various versions of these test methods are already in use within the automotive industry, but these tests are not standardized or widely available. We discuss our collaborative efforts to standardize these test methods and make them widely available.
