Though electric vehicles have already established a reputation for outputting zero emissions, some engineers are seeking to maximize EVs’ battery power to expand their range. To this end, UF Engineering professors David Arnold and Jennifer Andrew recently developed a sensor that generates its own energy. It can also operate without an external electric current. This means that the new sensor would help EV batteries retain power instead of draining them.
EVs’ reliance on sensors
To understand the significance of this new sensor design, it’s important to understand just how much an EV depends on sensors to carry out basic functions. For starters, EVs utilize sensors to carry out different functions, from powering the headlights and window systems to starting the ignition system.
These models also employ sensors for dashboard alerts. For example, sensors trigger the low tire pressure and open-door warning lights that appear on the dashboard.
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The UF sensor design
The new sensor design could definitely help the EV industry reach its ambitious goal of having 30 percent of international vehicle sales be electric by 2030. Andrew confirmed the importance of the sensor’s contribution to EVs and the industry as a whole. “As we move toward electric vehicles, minimizing the drain on the battery is going to be huge,” she said.” […] Having [the sensor] not require significant power to operate [will] be quite significant.”
Currently, the UF Office of Technology and Licensing has secured a provisional patent on the new sensor. They’ve also filed for a U.S. utility patent. The team’s collaborative partner, Allegro MicroSystems, has licensed the patent for the sensor device, per the Gainesville Sun.
We anticipate more news in the days ahead as the EV industry consider implementing new technologies such as the UF team’s sensor design.
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News Source: Gainesville Sun
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