tribology and lubrication for e-mobility

Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers840 Busse Highway ! Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 (USA) ! (847) 825-5536 ! www.stle.org

Tribology and Lubrication for E-MobilityConference Program

An all-new event exploring the latest technicalchallenges and commercial opportunities that willimpact the future of electric vehicle (EV) technology.

November 3-5, 2021Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)

San Antonio, Texas (USA)

A HYBRID EVENT

Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers

Dear Conference Attendees,

Welcome to those joining us in-person here at the SouthwestResearch Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio or participatingvirtually for STLE’s inaugural Tribology and Lubricationfor E-Mobility Conference. I am very excited about theevent and am so pleased we have more than 300participants that will be attending the three-dayhybrid technical conference.

Hopefully you find the conference to beinformative and worthwhile as we’ll spendthe next few days exploring the rapidlychanging electric vehicle (EV) technologiesthat are bringing new opportunities tothe tribology and lubrication field. Theconference includes more than 20 speakersfrom leading companies and organizations withan interest in e-mobility that will discuss the latestadvancements and outlook for the EV market.

This impressive lineup of presenters will address key topicsat the forefront of the evolving EV landscape, includingtransmission, gear and bearing lubrication issues,recent requirements for lubricant thermal and electricalproperties, new operating conditions, and changes in themanufacturing of parts.

In addition to the technical program, we’re pleased to offeran education course introducing EV technology featuringexpert speakers, representing OEMs, tier-one suppliers,and additive and lubricant companies, covering different

EV platforms such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) andhybrid technologies and topics including hardware design,lubricant requirements for EVs, EV thermal management,heat transfer fluids in EVs and testing methods.

For your convenience, we will be recording the entireconference. The final recording will include speakers

who presented live, as well as pre-recordedpresentations. All registered participants will

have access to the presentation slides andrecordings after the conference concludes,so you can watch again or catch up on anytalks you might have missed.

I personally would like to thank mycolleagues on the conference planning

committee and the STLE staff for the greatwork in organizing this event. More importantly,

special thanks to our speakers, course instructors,and STLE corporate sponsors, especially to SwRI

for hosting the conference. If it were not for you, wewouldn’t be able to deliver a top-notch technical programwithout your generous support.

Have an enjoyable and productive conference!

Sincerely,

BillWilliam Anderson, Ph.D., Afton Chemical Corporation2021 EV Conference Planning Committee Chair

2 | STLE Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference ! www.stle.org

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is the premier technical society serving the needs of more than 13,000 industry professionalsand 250 organizations that comprise the tribology and lubrication engineering business sector. STLE offers its members industry-specific education and training,

professional resources, technical information, certification programs and career development. STLE is an international organization headquartered at840 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 (USA). Contact us at (847) 825-5536, email: [email protected]; website: www.stle.org.

The Future of E-Mobility

Thank You to Our SponsorsSTLE wishes to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2021 Tribology and Lubrication for E-MobilityConference. Visit www.stle.org/evconference for the most up to date sponsors list and signage on-site in San Antonio.

Signature Event Sponsor Power-Up Sponsors Current Sponsors

San Antonio, Texas ! November 3-5, 2021 | 3

Ken Hope, Ph.D., (President)Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

Ryan Evans, Ph.D., (Vice President)The Timken Company

Hong Liang, Ph.D., (Secretary)Texas A&M University

Jack McKenna, (Treasurer)Sea-Land Chemical Company

Paul Hetherington, (ImmediatePast President)HollyFrontier Lubricants & Specialties

William Anderson, Ph.D.Afton Chemical Corporation

Nicholas Argibay, Ph.D.Ames National Laboratory

Steffen BotsLubeserv

Aaron Greco, Ph.D.Argonne National Laboratory

Karen HarringtonFuchs Lubricants Company

Brian HoltkampNye Lubricants

Brian HovikViking Engineering

Peter Lee, Ph.D.Southwest Research Institute

Khalid MalikOntario Power Generation

Mandi McElwainUnivar Solutions

Kuldeep Kishore Mistry, Ph.D.The Timken Company

Ramoun MourhatchChevron Oronite

Angela Pitenis, Ph.D.University of California, SantaBarbara

Farrukh Qureshi, Ph.D.The Lubrizol Corporation

Thomas Scharf, Ph.D.University of North Texas

Raj Shah, Ph.D.Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.

David TurnerCITGO Petroleum Corporation

Min Zou, Ph.D.University of Arkansas

Edward P. Salek, CAEExecutive Director | STLEHeadquarters

Special Acknowledgments2021 Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference Planning Committee

2021-2022 STLE Board of Directors

William Anderson, Ph.D.(Program Chair)Afton ChemicalCorporation

Ken Hope, Ph.D.Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany

Neil Canter, Ph.D.Chemical Solutions

Peter Lee, Ph.D.Southwest ResearchInstitute

Jun Qu, Ph.D.Oak Ridge NationalLaboratory

Michael Duncan, Ph.D.Daubert ChemicalCompany, Inc.

Hong Liang, Ph.D.Texas A&M University

Dairene Uy, Ph.D.Shell Global Solutions(US) Inc.

Paul HetheringtonHollyFrontier Lubricants &Specialties

Babak Lotfi, Ph.D.ExxonMobil ChemicalCompany

STLE wishes to thank these individuals for their support and contributionsin planning an outstanding technical program.


Agenda7:30 – 8:30 amRegistration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 amWelcome and Introductions

8:45 – 9:45 amAn Overview of Hybrid, Full Electric and Fuel CellVehiclesArup Gangopadhyay, Ph.D., Ford Motor Company

9:45 – 10 am | Break

10 – 11 amHardware Design and Drive Unit: Transmission System,Electric Machine, and Geartrain (Virtual Presentation)Michael Tekletsion Berhan, Ford Motor Company Researchand Advanced Engineering

11 – 11:15 am | Break

11:15 am – 12:15 pmLubricant Requirements for Electric Vehicles (includinghybrids, gearbox and eMotor)Christopher Cleveland, Afton Chemical Corporation

12:15 – 1:15 pm | Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 pmHeat Transfer Fluids and Thermal Management inHEV and EVs (General Overview)Thomas Wellmann, FEV

2:15 – 2:30 pm | Break

2:30 – 3:30 pmThermal Management in EVs – Sub-system andComponents (Virtual Presentation)Andreas Mayer, FEV North America

3:30 – 3:45 pm | Break

3:45 – 4:30 pmTest Methods for Evaluation of Electric Vehicles(including tribological, thermal and electrical properties)Rebecca Warden, Southwest Research Institute

4:30 – 5 pmQ&A and Wrap Up

6 – 7:30 pmMeet-in-Greet (Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk Hotel)

Thursday, November 4, 2021

7:30 – 8:30 amRegistration and Continental Breakfast


Session 1: Laying the Groundwork8:45 – 9:45 amKeynote Address – Electric Vehicle Tribology andRolling Element Bearing ChallengesRyan Evans, Ph.D., The Timken Company

9:45 – 10:15 amCompatibility Study of E-Fluids with Copper andInsulation Materials (Virtual Presentation)Rosemary Ran, Shell (Shanghai) Technology Company, Ltd.

10:15 – 10:45 amImproving Gear and Thermal Efficiency of ElectricVehicle Transmission Fluids with the Use of New GroupV Base StocksGareth Moody, Ph.D., Croda Europe Ltd.

10:45 – 11 am | Break


Program Schedule-at-a-GlanceAs of October 25, 2021 ! All Times Represent US Central Time (CT)

Please note speakers will be participating either in-person or virtual during the conference.Those participating with a virtual presentation will be noted in the schedule below.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

8:30 am – 5 pm | Education Course Program | Introduction to Electric Vehicles


Session 2: EV Driveline Fluids11 – 11:30 amProfiling Electric Drivetrain Fluid Characteristics –Presented by SAE InternationalGreg Miiller, Savant Group

11:30 am – NoonBase Oil Benchmarking for Gear Oils in ElectricVehicle Drivetrains (Virtual Presentation)Steffen Gläenzer, Ph.D., Clariant

Noon – 1 pm | Lunch

Session 3: Lubrication for EVs 1 – Base Oils1 – 1:30 pmBase Oils Useful for E-MobilityKen Hope, Ph.D., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

1:30 – 2 pmExtending Drive Range and Enhancing ThermalManagement in EVs using Next-Generation PAOsBabak Lotfi, Ph.D., ExxonMobil

2 – 2:30 pmA Lifecycle Analysis for the Efficiency and Emissionof EVs in Comparison to IC EnginesAli Erdemir, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

2:30 – 3 pmWill Electric Vehicles Break the Grid?(Virtual Presentation)Amro Farid, Ph.D., Dartmouth/MIT

3 – 3:15 pm | Break

Session 4: Lubrication for EVs 2 – Additivesand Finished Fluids3:15 – 3:45 pmNew E-Mobility Test Developments and ElectricDrivetrain Fluid TechnologyYungwan Kwak, Ph.D., Afton Chemical Corporation

3:45 – 4:15 pmHeat Transfer Performance of Fluids for ElectrifiedVehicles (Virtual Presentation)Andy Richenderfer, Ph.D., The Lubrizol Corporation

4:15 – 4:45 pmUltra-Low Viscosity E-Fluids Enabling a SustainableFuture (Virtual Presentation)Hitesh Thaker, Ph.D., Infineum USA L.P.

4:45 – 5:15 pmChallenges and Opportunities for Industrial Lubricantsas the Automotive Industry Moves to Electric VehiclesNeil Canter, Ph.D., Chemical Solutions

6:30 – 8 pmNetworking Reception (Biga on the Banks)203 South Mary’s at Market, San Antonio, TX

Friday, November 5, 2021

7:30 – 8:30 amContinental Breakfast

Session 5: Lubricant Testing for EVs8:30 – 9 amCharacterization of E-Fluids from Laboratory Analysisto the Test Bench (Virtual Presentation)Gunther Müller, Ph.D., and Rico Pelz, APL

9 – 9:30 amE-Mobility Fluid Testing for Heavy Truck Transmissions(Virtual Presentation)Mattias Forslund, Ph.D., Scania

9:30 – 10 amInnovative Design of Lubricants Test Rig for E-Greaseand E-Fluid (Virtual Presentation)Deepak H. Veeregowda, Ph.D., Ducom Instruments

10 – 10:15 am | Break

10:15 – 10:45 amDielectric and Electrochemical Properties of Lubricantsfor Electric Drivetrains and their Influence on theLubricant-Stator InterfaceMichael Miller, Ph.D., Southwest Research Institute

10:45 – 11:15 amEfficiency Performance of Lubricants for ElectricVehicle PowertrainsProf. Dr.-Ing. Karsten Stahl, FZG

11:15 – 11:30 am | Break

Session 6: EV Hardware Trends – StakeholderPerspectives – Panel Discussion11:30 am – 1 pm

Needs in Fundamental Understanding of ElectricVehicles, Hong Liang, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Challenges of Hardware and Fluid Design for ElectricDrive Units (Virtual Presentation), Troy Muransky, AmericanAxle & Manufacturing

Fluids for Electrified Vehicles – Past, Present, andFuture, Joe Noles, Infineum USA L.P.

Fluid Implications for Electric Vehicle Drivetrain, FarrukhQureshi, Ph.D., The Lubrizol Corporation

Topic: TBA, Thomas Wellmann, FEV

Technology Trends in Battery Pack ThermalManagement, Ian Smith, Southwest Research Institute

1 – 3 pmWrap Up and Tour of SwRI Facility

Course Agenda (As of October 25, 2021)



Program Co-Chairs: Babak Lotfi, Ph.D., ExxonMobil andNeil Canter, Ph.D., Chemical Solutions

8:45 – 9:45 amAn Overview of Hybrid, Full Electric and FuelCell VehiclesArup Gangopadhyay, Ph.D., Ford Motor Company

This presentation will provide an overview of hybrid, battery electricand fuel cell vehicles. The presentation will explain hybridization levelsi.e., micro, mild, full, and plug-in, and how they are differentiated byfunctionalities, battery power requirements, potential fuel economybenefits, and power train architectures (series, parallel, series-parallel).Types of engines and driveline systems used in these types of vehicleswill also be discussed. These vehicles will be compared against batteryelectric and fuel cell vehicles including some examples of vehicle nameplates related to these technologies available in the market.

Arup Gangopadhyay is a Technical Leader in PowertrainTribology in Energy, Propulsion and Sustainabilityorganization in Research and Advanced Engineeringat Ford Motor Company. Arup has been at Ford for over30 years and his research focuses on improving fueleconomy by reducing frictional losses in powertrain andimproving powertrain durability through modifying

surfaces of materials, efficient lubrication, and understanding the interactionbetween lubricant additives and materials. Arup’s more recent researchincludes development of novel lubricants for engines and transmissions anddevelopment of coatings for liner-less cylinder bores in engines.

9:45 – 10 am | Break

10 – 11 amHardware Design and Drive Unit: Transmission System,Electric Machine, and Geartrain (Virtual Presentation)Michael Tekletsion Berhan, Ford Motor Company Researchand Advanced Engineering

This presentation will review some of the subsystem and componentdetails that were touched on in Module 1 on the vehicle and systemlevels. Fundamentally, it will focus on the driveline systems of hybridand full electric units. It will touch on the high-level basics of thetransmissions, the electric motor/generators, and the heart of thegeartrains, gears and bearings. Along with their mechanical details, wewill discuss some of the tribology aspects and what that means invehicle electric drives.

Michael Tekletsion Berhan is the Powertrain Gearsand Bearings Technical Expert at Ford Motor CompanyResearch and Advanced Engineering. Michael has over25 years in the design, analysis, and integration ofgears, bearings, shafts, chains, geartrain systems, andelectric motors. He is the chair of the Ford Transmission/Driveline Patent Committee, the Training Lead for Ford

Transmission/Driveline Research, and teaches geartrain systems,components, and CAE. Michael has been a member of the SAE AutomaticTransmission Technical Committee for 16 years, sponsoring severalstandards and recommended practices, and served as Editor and revisionauthor for SAE’s AE-29 Design Practices book’s Gear, Splines, and Chainschapter. He has also served on the AGMA Electric Drive Committee andtaught the AGMA class Integration and Trade-offs in Gear and BearingSystems.

11 – 11:15 am | Break

11:15 am – 12:15 pmLubricant Requirements for Electric Vehicles(including hybrids, gearbox and eMotor)Christopher Cleveland, Afton Chemical Corporation

This module presents an overview on lubricant requirements for singleand multi-speed, direct oil-cooled electric drive unit applications.As traditional lubricant formulation strategies are increasinglyrestrictive for EV applications, novel lubricant/additive technologieswill be needed to meet new requirements and evolving hardwaredemands. This module will include formulation approach for EV driveline



Education Program Schedule2021 STLE Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference

Course instructors will be participating either in-person or virtual during the conference.Those participating with a virtual presentation will be noted in the schedule below.

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

8:30 am – 5 pm | Education Course Program | Introduction to Electric Vehicles ! All Times Represent US Central Time (CT)


fluids development and fluid properties required in electric driveunits. The discussion will briefly cover use of grease in EV applications.Finally, we will discuss challenges related to electrical and thermalproperties as well as compatibility with copper and other insulationmaterials.

Christopher Cleveland is R&D Technical Director atAfton Chemical Corporation, where he has worked for15 years in transmission fluid research and development.Currently, Chris leads the ATF Formulation team, which isresponsible for the development of performance additivesfor the next generation transmission fluids, AT, DCT, CVT, eV,in collaboration with key customers and OEM partners.

12:15 – 1:15 pm | Lunch

1:15 – 2:15 pmHeat Transfer Fluids and Thermal Management inHEV and EVs (General Overview)Thomas Wellmann, FEV

This lecture will begin with a layout of propulsion system architecturesin electrified vehicles. The architectures will cover the landscape frommicro-hybrid vehicles through mild-hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybridelectric vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicles (EVs). The flow of energyin the driveline of electrified vehicles will be described through theuse of case study examples. Typical experimental approaches to gatherand analyze the flow of energy will be illustrated. Specifically, the roleof thermal management at the vehicle level will be highlighted usingspecific examples spanning hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as well asbattery electric vehicles (BEVs). Simulation techniques used for designingthe thermal management layout of electrified vehicles will be discussed.The layout of the thermal management systems of typical electrifiedvehicles (i.e., HEVs and EVs) will be shown using pictures and schematicsfrom real vehicles. Typical battery architectures and associated thermalmanagement strategies will be shown using examples of contemporaryEV. Finally, examples of vehicle range testing, as well as methodologiesto optimize the range of electric vehicles (via improved thermalmanagement) will be discussed

Thomas Wellmann has been at FEV for more than20 years in different roles. Thomas started his career inNVH (noise, vibration, harshness), where he was engagedin multiple projects for powertrain and driveling NVH,including conventional and electrified powertrains.Activities include detailed studies such as drivelinetorsional analysis and isolation, engine start/stop

investigations, hybrid system strategy analysis, with focus on fuel economyand driveline NVH, as well as integration of electric drive units. With focus ontransmissions and drivelines, his responsibilities grew to oversee all vehicleand component testing in this area, including projects on driveline efficiency,durability, and vehicle fuel economy for conventional, hybrid electric andfully electrified powertrains. He has published several publications on thetopics of driveline electrification of propulsions systems.

2:15 – 2:30 pm | Break

2:30 – 3:30 pmThermal Management in EVs – Sub-system andComponents (Virtual Presentation)Andreas Mayer, FEV North America

This lecture will provide a component-specific view of key drivetrainelements of electrified powertrains. Specifically, challenges and solutionsfrom a lubrication and thermal management perspective of electrifieddrivetrain components will be discussed. Initially, the layout of typicaldrivetrains for hybrid as well as battery electric vehicles will bedescribed. Examples depicting the integration of electric motorsand generators in hybrid transmissions will be shown. Examples ofstate-of-the-art single-speed and multi-speed electric drive units willbe illustrated. Case study examples showing the use of advancedsimulation tools to meet the lubrication and heat transfer needs of suchdrive units will be provided. Similarly, results from typical componentlevel testing showing the influence of fluid properties on drive unitefficiency will be discussed. The future technology path for inverters,electric machines, and drive units, along with associated thermalmanagement challenges and solutions, will be discussed

Andreas Mayer is Chief Engineer – E-Mobility at FEVNorth America, with over 20 years in advanced powertraintesting methodologies, calibration and development.His area of expertise includes E-motor and invertercontrols and parametrization, project and engineeringmanagement. Andreas has held several roles at FEV,including Subject Matter Expert–E-Mobility; Senior

Technical Specialist – Testing Methods; Technical Specialist – PowertrainTesting; Project Engineer – Powertrain Testing; Test Engineer – Base EngineerCalibration; and Test Bench Engineer – Thermodynamics (FEV EU, Germany).He is a State-certified Engineer (EQF Level 6), BBS Germersheim, Germany(automotive engineering) and Certified Instructor (AEVO) IHK Ludwigshafen,Germany.

3:30 – 3:45 pm | Break

3:45 – 4:30 pmTest Methods for Evaluation of Electric Vehicles(including tribological, thermal and electrical properties)Rebecca Warden, Southwest Research Institute

This presentation will discuss some of the current established testmethods for evaluating EV lubricants and coolants and assess theirability to perform in the unique environment. This will includediscussions on high-speed performance, non-conventional materialscompatibility, thermal performance, and others. The module will alsoinclude a discussion on evaluation methods that will need to bedeveloped to enable industry to properly formulate and evaluate fluidsfor EV applications.

Rebecca Warden is the manager of the Fleet and DrivelineFluids Evaluation Section at Southwest Research Institute(SwRI). Her section focuses on lubricant evaluations forelectrified vehicles, automatic transmissions, axles,tractor hydraulic systems, and gear/hydraulic systems inindustrial applications. She is the co-project manager forthe Advanced Fluids for Electrified Vehicles (AFEV)

consortium, which exists to better understand the unique interactions of EVlubricants with the rapidly growing and changing EV market. During her12-year career at SwRI, Rebecca has been involved with projects rangingfrom test stand design and development, standardized lubricants testing,and next generation research and development.

4:30 – 5 pmQ&A and Wrap Up


Program Agenda (As of October 25, 2021)



Ken Hope (STLE President), Ph.D., Chevron PhillipsChemical Company, and William Anderson (EV ProgramChair), Ph.D., Afton Chemical Corporation

Session 1: Laying the GroundworkModerator: William Anderson, Ph.D., Afton ChemicalCorporation

8:45 – 9:45 amKeynote Address – Electric Vehicle Tribology andRolling Element Bearing ChallengesRyan Evans, Ph.D., The Timken Company

The development and mainstream adoption of electric vehiclespresents an exciting landscape for tribological system and componentoptimization. While the bearings used in internal combustion enginevehicles have known effective designs, the initial bearing selections innew electric vehicle platforms present opportunities for improvement.An introduction to rolling element bearings will be given, followed bya survey of high-level electric vehicle key trends and technology drivers.Two electric vehicle bearing application spaces are discussed in detail,including wheel end bearings and electric axle bearings. Tribologicalchallenges and recommended solutions in each area are offered, alongwith descriptions of key technology development capabilities neededto accelerate innovation such as high-speed bearing testing andadvanced lubricant rheology experimental apparatus.

Ryan Evans is the director of research and developmentat The Timken Company, currently responsible for leadingteams that identify and develop new product, materials,and manufacturing technologies to meet customer needs.He joined Timken in 2002 as a researcher in the field ofadvanced materials and made significant contributions inthe areas of thin film coatings (Timken “Wear-Resistant

Bearing” premium product option), lubrication, advanced materialscharacterization, and tribology within the R&D division. He has authoredover 40 refereed technical publications and has 14 patents in these fields.

Ryan is Vice President of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers(STLE) for 2021-2022 and has won several STLE publishing awards. Inaddition to STLE, he is a member of ASM International and ASME.

9:45 – 10:15 amCompatibility Study of E-Fluids with Copper andInsulation Materials (Virtual Presentation)Rosemary Ran, Shell (Shanghai) Technology Company, Ltd.

With the consensus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a typicalmanifestation of the automotive market is the rapid growth in thenumber of electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The development ofnew energy models and the overall acceleration of the electrificationof new cars are not only the way forward of the times, but also ofextraordinary strategic significance to China. Unlike the drive structureof conventional fuel vehicles, in hybrid vehicles (HEVs and PHEV), moreOEMs combine hardware such as motors, gearboxes, clutches and somecontrol units, with motors set up in transmissions and immersed intransmission lubricants to improve the cooling efficiency of motors.Therefore, the direct contact between the E-motor and transmissionlubricants poses many challenges to the compatibility of lubricants andmotors and puts forward strict requirements for the oil resistance ofmotor insulation materials.

For the integrated electric drive system, there is no unified standardspecification at home and abroad. The standards used by eachlubricant company in the market also vary. In December 2019, theChina Electrical Industry Association (CELA), launched “TechnicalRequirements for Insulation Structure of Drive Motors in New EnergyVehicles.” The specification is for the requirements of insulation materialhardware, but also clearly proposed that for oil-cooled motors, insulationcomponents and insulation structures should also meet the requirementsof oil resistance. In this presentation, we conducted fluid compatibilitytests at different temperatures, with various E-motor insulation materialsto explore the correlation between different chemical additivetechnology and motor insulation materials. The results show that thereare big differences in compatibility between different insulationmaterials and oil formulations. At the same time, this presentation alsoshows the possibility of attenuation or decomposition of additivesby different water content in oil, thus affecting the insulation of motors.The unique transmission structure design of electric and hybrid vehiclesfrom different OEMs presents many challenges for lubricants. However,lubricants can be tailored to demonstrate outstanding insulationcompatibility and excellent high temperature corrosion resistance inthe above tests, in line with the special design requirements of EVs andhybrid vehicle transmission systems.


Technical Program Schedule2021 STLE Tribology and Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference

Speakers will be participating either in-person or virtual during the conference. Thoseparticipating with a virtual presentation will be noted in the schedule below.

Thursday, November 4, 2021 | All Times Represent US Central Time (CT)


Rosemary Ran is Team Leader of Shell (Shanghai)Technology Ltd. for Transmission Fluids and Heavy-DutyDiesel Engine Oils (HDDEO). She holds a master’s degreein material science from East China University of Scienceand Technology. Rosemary has more than 25 years ofexperience working in lubricants, and expertise inlubricant formulation for both HDDEO and transmission

oils. Rosemary is a member of the China Transmission Standard Committeeand has considerable engagement with local OEMs. She leads a Shell teamto support business needs of China and the AP region via delivering R&Dprograms in both HDDEO and Transmission (e- fluid) Technologies.

10:15 – 10:45 amImproving Gear and Thermal Efficiency of ElectricVehicle Transmission Fluids with the Use of NewGroup V Base StocksGareth Moody, Ph.D., Croda Europe Ltd.

The formulating process to produce dedicated transmission fluids forelectric vehicles has been an ongoing and continuous process, with afocus on several key parameters such as material compatibility ofcopper and elastomers and having a controlled level of electricalconductivity. There has been a recent drive to maximize the thermalproperties of these fluids and lower traction to improve gear efficiency.Here, new Group V base fluids will be shown to have exceptionally lowlevels of traction and high levels of thermal conductivity and are fullycompatible with key materials and Group I-IV base oils. These new fluidscan be mixed with other base oils to enhance their properties andimprove vehicle efficiency in both systems where the transmission isused for motor cooling and systems where it is not and can significantlyboost by reducing energy consumption.

Gareth Moody is a research and technology specialistwith Croda Europe Ltd. He has been with Croda for nineyears in the Lubricants Department and specializes inautomotive applications such as engine oil andtransmission base oil and additives. He obtained a Ph.D. inantioxidants for engine oils from the University of York, UK.

10:45 – 11:00 am | Break

Session 2: EV Driveline FluidsModerator: Peter Lee, Ph.D., Southwest Research Institute

11 am – 11:30 amProfiling Electric Drivetrain Fluid Characteristics –Presented by SAE InternationalGreg Miiller, Savant Group

With the advent of electrified vehicles, the need for specialized fluids hasevolved. Many laboratories, OEMs, and lubricant/additive suppliers havebeen experimenting with various types of tests to simulate theapplication as the EV development process takes place. Some currentapplications utilized in the industry do not properly mimic the process.The characteristics and applications require scrutinization for properresults. SAE’s Fuels and Lubricants TC 3 Driveline and Chassis LubricationCommittee is creating an information report to assist those concernedwith lubricants used in drivetrain components powered by electrified

vehicles. This knowledgeable team of industry professionals areevaluating various industry applications. The information is plannedto clarify the terms and tests related to the properties of lubricants usedin electric drivetrains.

Greg Miiller began his career as a U.S. Marine servingwith the 3rd Marine Air Wing repairing radar systems.Since that time, he has performed on an internationallevel in the petrochemical industry for the past 26 years.His professional degrees in electronics and business, alongwith a master’s in business/operational leadership, havebolstered his career as a Design Engineer, Director of

Technology and Executive Vice President of New Business and Engineeringfor the Savant Group of Michigan (which is a combination of four technicalcompanies). Over the years, he has been awarded 14 patents for designs ontesting equipment and authored many technical papers.

11:30 am – NoonBase Oil Benchmarking for Gear Oils in ElectricVehicle Drivetrains (Virtual Presentation)Steffen Gläenzer, Ph.D., Clariant

The penetration of electric vehicle technology is a major global trendresulting from regulations intended to improve vehicle fuel efficiencyand to reduce emission of greenhouse gases. OEMs, suppliers andresearchers are looking for base oils that meet new e-fluid needs, whichhappen to be different than for lubricants used in internal combustionengine vehicles. So far, few systematic studies benchmark crucialproperties of e-fluid base oils. This talk will compare base oil propertiesof polyalphaolefins and various new polyalkylene glycol solutionscovering the following topics: 1) cooling performance evaluatingthermal conductivity and heat transfer properties, 2) energy efficiencyevaluating friction on a ball-on-disc tribometer, 3) electrical propertiesevaluating electric conductivities, 4) sustainability assessing ecotoxprofile and biodegradability, as well as 5) thermal and thermal-oxidativestability. One major finding is that depending on the type, polyalkyleneglycols offer the possibility to adjust and fine tune these propertieswithin a comparably wide range.

Steffen Gläenzer is the Global Application DevelopmentManager of Lubricants at Clariant in Frankfurt, Germany.He is currently responsible for leading a team thatdevelops new products to meet customer needs inmetalworking, industrial lubricants, and automotivefluids. One of his recent focus fields is the development ofnew base oils for electric vehicle lubrication and cooling.

He joined Clariant in 2013 as a member of the Clariant InternationalGraduate Program, which included positions in personal care, masterbatchesfor polymers, and industrial lubricants. He has published 8 peer-reviewedarticles and holds two patents.

Noon – 1 pm | Lunch

Technical Program Schedule | STLE 2021 E-Mobility Conference


Session 3: Lubrication for EVs 1 – Base OilsModerator: Neil Canter, Ph.D., Chemical Solutions

1 – 1:30 pmBase Oils Useful for E-MobilityKen Hope, Ph.D., Chevron Phillips Chemical Company

As the world is shifting transportation technology toward electricvehicles, many issues are raised concerning lubricants and thermalmanagement fluids. The properties of common base oils have beenwell known for many years but as we look to EV applications, thereare additional considerations in terms of compatibility as well aselectrical and thermal properties. This presentation will focus on thephysical properties that become important in these emergingapplications and how base oils differ for these applications. There is agreat deal to learn with this challenge but there is also a good deal tolearn from the past from similar applications.

Ken Hope is global PAO technical services manager forChevron Phillips Chemical Company in The Woodlands,Texas. Ken has 30 years of experience in the lubricantindustry. His research interests have been primarilyfocused in polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and the use of syntheticlubricants. Prior to his current position, he was a researchfellow and team leader for NAO and PAO research and

technology responsible for product development, process improvementand technical service for NAO and PAO product lines. He worked severalyears in the analytical group at Chevron Corp. doing NMR research oncatalysts and structure/property relationships on various materials. Beforejoining Chevron Corp., he was the director of NMR research in the chemistrydepartment at the University of Houston. Ken is currently serving a one-yearterm as 2021-2022 STLE president. He also holds STLE’s Certified LubricationSpecialist (CLS)™ designation.

1:30 – 2 pmExtending Drive Range and Enhancing ThermalManagement in EVs using Next-Generation PAOsBabak Lotfi, Ph.D., ExxonMobil

Many automotive manufacturers have been adopting the integrateddrive-unit design. In this approach, a single fluid is being used forcooling the electric-motor and electrical components, in addition tolubricating the gears, bearings and possibly clutches in the drive-unit.This can pose new challenges to the fluid development. In this work,heat transfer and cooling properties of synthetic base stocks, includingnext-gen PAO, have been studied compared to next best alternatives inan e-motor system. Testing suggests superior performance of syntheticbase stocks, which results in lower system operating temperatures.Novel PAOs also demonstrate improved energy efficiency, which enablesextended driving range.

Babak Lotfi has a Ph.D. in tribology and has beenpracticing tribology and lubricants for over 10 years.He has authored/co-authored several researchpublications, held multiple patents, and presented atvarious international electric vehicle and tribologyconferences. Babak is an STLE member and currently is anassociate editor for STLE’s Tribology Transactions journal.

Since 2017, he has worked for ExxonMobil (EM), and prior to that he worked

for Schaeffler. Currently, he is a Global Application Development at EM,working on tribology fundamentals and advancing EV fluids using syntheticfluids.

2 – 2:30 pmA Lifecycle Analysis for the Efficiency and Emissionof EVs in Comparison to IC EnginesAli Erdemir, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered as the new paradigm for futuretransportation needs due to their higher efficiency and much loweremissions than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).While energy losses due to rolling friction, aerodynamics, and brakingare inherent in EVs as well, thermal and frictional energy losses aregreatly minimized in EVs, making them hugely popular for savingenergy and protecting the environment. In this presentation, we providea side-by-side comparison of the energy consumption in ICEVs vs. EVs.The energy efficiency for the ICEV case is about 21% while in the caseof EVs, it could be much higher (i.e., 77%). The friction-related losses,excluding braking and rolling friction, are ~16% for an ICEV and only~6% for an EV. In this presentation, we also evaluate the energyefficiency and the greenness of current ICEV vs. EV scenarios consideringlifecycle analyses, including not only tank-to-wheel, which is mostlyrelated to driving the vehicles, but also the well-to-tank which caninclude manufacturing, maintenance, and recycling stages, thusproviding an overall picture that compares the true efficiency andgreenness of both cases. Lastly, we survey some of the emergingtechnologies that can help further enhance efficiency andenvironmental impact of future EVs.

Ali Erdemir is a Professor and Halliburton Chair in theDepartments of Mechanical Engineering and MaterialsScience and Engineering at Texas A&M University inCollege Station, Texas. Ali has received numerous covetedawards (including the STLE International Award, ASMEMayo D. Hersey Award, six R&D 100 Awards, two STLE AlSonntag Awards and the STLE Edmond E. Bisson Award)

and such honors as being elected to the U.S. National Academy ofEngineering, President of the International Tribology Council (ITC), as wellas Past STLE President (2016-2017). He is also a Fellow of AAAS, ASME, STLE,AVS, and ASM International. He has authored/co-authored more than 300research articles, co-edited four books, and holds 31 U.S. patents.

2:30 – 3 pmWill Electric Vehicles Break the Grid? (Virtual Presentation)Amro Farid, Ph.D., Dartmouth/MIT

Electrified modes of transportation: vehicles, buses and trainsfundamentally couple the transportation system with the electric powergrid. This coupling presents new challenges in the operation of eachsystem, which would not have existed if each was operatedindependently. This presentation will thoroughly investigate thesechallenges and discuss how well-equipped the grid is today to managethem. To support its points, this presentation draws on simulationresults from the first ever full-scale electric vehicle integration study,which was recently conducted for a taxi-fleet use case in Abu Dhabi.To conclude, the presentation advocates for an enhanced IntelligentTransportation Energy System (ITES) which includes an integratedapproach to transportation and energy management. At its core, theITES requires a new transportation electrification assessment



methodology that draws upon traffic simulation, power grid dynamics,and Big Data-Driven use case modeling. Such an ITES would come toinclude coupled operations management decisions, including vehicledispatching, charging queue management, coordinated charging, andvehicle-to-grid ancillary services. The study suggests that the future ofelectrified transportation necessitates closed collaboration betweentransportation system and electric grid operators.

Amro Farid is associate professor of EngineeringResearch Affiliate in the department of mechanicalengineering at Dartmouth/MIT. As a faculty member atDartmouth, he leads the Laboratory for IntelligentIntegrated Networks of Engineering Systems (LINES) andhas made active contributions to the MIT-Masdar InstituteCollaborative Initiative, the MIT Future of the Electricity

Grid Study, and the IEEE Vision for Smart Grid Controls. Farid is a seniormember of IEEE, where he chairs several committees, and a member ofASME’s Dynamics Systems & Control Division. He has also co-authoredthree books.

3 – 3:15 pm | Break

Session 4: Lubrication for EVs 2 – Additivesand Finished FluidsModerator: Ken Hope, Ph.D., Chevron Phillips ChemicalCompany

3:15 – 3:45 pmNew E-Mobility Test Developments and ElectricDrivetrain Fluid TechnologyYungwan Kwak, Ph.D., Afton Chemical Corporation

Electrification is a key technology for improving vehicle efficiency andreducing emissions of greenhouse gas and other pollutants. In manyhybrid and electric vehicle (HEV and EV) hardware designs, drivetrainfluids are in contact with the integrated electric motor (eMotor). Notsurprisingly, the performance requirements for lubricants in theseapplications are different than those for conventional automatictransmission fluids (ATFs). In particular, they require enhanced electricaland thermal properties, compatibility with conventional and newmaterials, including a broad range of metallic and non-metalliccomponents. Additionally, gear and pump protection must bemaintained, while better performance under high rotational speed isneeded. Finally, frictional performance requisite with any shifting devicesin the transmission must be dialed into the fluid. Hence, the lubricantindustry is challenged with developing various new tests to ensure arobust fluid performance under real-world operating conditions.

This presentation comprises two aspects: electric drivetrain fluid (ETF)development and E-Mobility test method development. First, theperformance of newly developed ETF will be described in depth. Second,in the test development section, we will discuss HEV fluid aging, powerelectronics cooling, and material compatibility, including coppercorrosion under a diverse range of operating conditions. Furthermore,applied copper corrosion methods like low voltage connector and circuitboard tests under electrified conditions, as well as magnet wire coating,insulation paper, and lacquer compatibility tests will be discussed. Finally,we will touch on the eMotor cooling simulation to expound on thebenefits of direct oil cooling versus indirect coolant cooling. Although

additional study is needed to correlate with the real-world data, thesenew test methods are valuable tools to help ensure robust and efficientETF development to meet evolving hardware demands.

Yungwan Kwak has an extensive background inpolymer science and engineering, having conductedundergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral studies inSouth Korea, Japan, and the U.S., respectively. He startedhis industrial career with a global pigment companyin the U.S., where he held global R&D scientist andoperations manager positions. Yungwan is currently

employed by Afton Chemical, where he leads their e-mobility technologyand polymethacrylate viscosity modifier development efforts. Dr. Kwakhas published over 40 peer-reviewed papers and holds multiple U.S. andinternational patents.

3:45 – 4:15 pmHeat Transfer Performance of Fluids for ElectrifiedVehicles (Virutal Presentation)Andy Richenderfer, Ph.D., The Lubrizol Corporation

One major function of driveline lubricants is the ability to remove heatfrom the powertrain and maintain nominal operating temperatures.In conventional ICE vehicles, this lubricant property is not a keydifferentiating feature and not included in transmission or axlespecifications. However, in electric or hybrid vehicles reducing theoperating temperature of the electric motor increases the motordurability, efficiency, and vehicle driving range. In architectures wherethe motor is cooled by the lubricant, selection of lubricants withspecific thermal properties could represent a practical route tooptimizing performance. However, selecting a fluid with the correctcharacteristics is not straightforward. Though the lubricant’s thermalproperties are unrelated to each other, often in practice they are partiallyconfounded, making it difficult to understand if their individualcontributions to heat transfer are of practical significance.

In this presentation, we will review the thermal properties of lubricantsthat influence heat transfer and how they vary with temperature. We willdescribe how these are combined to calculate various ‘Figures of Merit’that are used to assess relative cooling capability. Constants used inthe Figure of Merit calculation vary with flow regime and this may alsochange with temperature. We will also describe our development of aheat transfer test rig, which provides real heat transfer measurementsunder various flow regimes. The rig also quantifies the energy expendedto enable each lubricant’s cooling capability. This allows us to balancethe thermal characteristics of the lubricant against the energy requiredto accomplish this cooling to maximize electric motor efficiency andvehicle range.

As a research engineer in the Strategic Research Groupat Lubrizol, Andy Richenderfer supports thermalmanagement strategic projects focusing on test designand development for fluid heat transfer performanceand safety. Andy joined Lubrizol in 2020 and prior to thatwas a thermal-hydraulic engineer at Knolls Atomic PowerLaboratory. Andy has a Ph.D. in nuclear science and

engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.



4:15 – 4:45 pmUltra-Low Viscosity E-Fluids Enabling a SustainableFuture (Virtual Presentation)Hitesh Thaker, Ph.D., Infineum USA L.P.

The automotive industry trends toward improved fuel efficiency andCO2 emission reduction have resulted in automotive manufacturersincorporating greater levels of electrification, utilizing lower viscositydriveline fluids, and developing more compact, higher voltage designs.As a result, direct oil cooling will play a critical role in thermalmanagement, especially at lower viscosity. Ultra-low viscosity fluids willalso need to meet other key requirements like high volume resistivityand material compatibility while maintaining gear and bearingdurability. Careful formulation design, including bespoke antiwear andextreme pressure additives, is essential to deliver a balanced e-fluidperformance, especially in a low viscosity environment.

Hitesh Thaker graduated from the University ofMassachusetts in 2012 with a Ph.D. in polymer scienceand engineering. He has a strong background in polymerchemistry, characterization, and organic synthesis.He started his career in the lubricant industry by joiningInfineum USA L.P. in October 2012. For the first fiveyears, Hitesh worked as a technologist in the Viscosity

Modifiers (VM) Group at Infineum. His research work involved fundamentalunderstanding of the VM impact on lubricating oil in both bench and engineenvironment. In 2017, Hitesh switched gears and joined the PowerTransmission Fluids Group. He is currently the project leader of the e-fluidtechnology and focused on developing new e-fluids to meet the new andchallenging requirements of next generation electric drivetrains.

4:45 – 5:15 pmChallenges and Opportunities for Industrial Lubricantsas the Automotive Industry Moves to Electric VehiclesNeil Canter, Ph.D., Chemical Solutions

The automotive industry has requirements for other lubricants besidesthose used in the powertrain. Industrial lubricants that includemetalworking fluids, hydraulic fluids, slideway lubricants and diecastfluids are required to manufacture automobiles. This talk will examinehow demand for industrial lubricants will change during the transitionfrom internal combustion-powered automobiles to battery-poweredelectric vehicles. The manufacturing processes for both automobiletypes will be examined, and the types of industrial lubricants usedwill be discussed. A comparison will be made about differences in howboth automobile types are produced and what effect that will haveon the demand for industrial lubricants. Changes in the demand forindustrial lubricants by 2040 will be discussed, with an emphasis placedon which specific types will see the greatest impact. New opportunitiesfor industrial lubricants in the manufacture of electric vehicles will alsobe covered.

Neil Canter received his Ph.D. in chemistry from theUniversity of Michigan in 1983 and his BS degree inchemistry from Brown University in 1978. He has beenworking in the lubricant industry for over 35 years.Neil runs his own consulting company, ChemicalSolutions, specializing in commercial development,marketing, product development and regulatory support

for the lubricant industry. He is a member of ACS, SAE and STLE and is a

contributing editor responsible for writing the monthly Tech Beat columnin STLE’s TLT magazine. Neil is also a member of STLE’s Metalworking FluidEducation & Training Committee, the STLE Education Committee and theProgram Chair for the STLE Philadelphia Section. He recently assumedthe position of STLE Advisor – Technical Programs and Services, providingtechnical and commercial support for STLE. He is also the host of the newSTLE podcast series, “Perfecting Motion: Tribology and the Quest forSustainability.”

6:30 – 8:00 pmNetworking Reception (Biga on the Banks)203 South Mary’s at Market, San Antonio, TX

Friday, November 5, 2021

7:30 – 8:30 amContinental Breakfast

Session 5: Lubricant Testing for EVsModerator: Babak Lotfi, Ph.D., ExxonMobil

8:30 – 9 amCharacterization of E-Fluids from Laboratory Analysisto the Test Bench (Virtual Presentation)Gunther Müller, Ph.D., and Rico Pelz, APL

Lubrication of electric drives requires special fluids that differ fromconventional ones, which have to meet specific requirements. Sinceindustry standards, as they exist for conventional lubricants have beenlacking up to now, APL has adapted and further developed knownmethods and test setups for the characterization of fluids for electricmobility applications.

Gunther Müller graduated with a diploma degree inchemistry from the University of Mainz, Germany andearned his Ph.D. at the same university in 1992 in thefield of polymer science. Gunther started his career in thechemical industry employed at Evonik, Degussa,PolymerLatex and Bayer. Since 2012, he has worked atAPL in Germany as head of the oils and fuels laboratory

(accredited to DIN ISO 17025). In this position, he has served in differentworking groups of DIN, CEC, FVV for the development of new analyticaltest procedures and is responsible for close cooperation with OEMsregarding in-house testing for oil specifications.

Rico Pelz graduated with a master’s of science degreein 2018 from the University of Applied Science in Karlsruhein the field of electrical engineering, with focus on sensorsystems technology. He conducted his bachelor’s thesisat APL before he went on to do his master’s degree inMelbourne. Since 2018, he has been responsible for thee-fluid team at APL, including the development of new

tests in that field, as well as adapting and improving already existing testsin the field of e-mobility.



9 – 9:30 amE-Mobility Fluid Testing for Heavy Truck Transmissions(Virtual Presentation)Mattias Forslund, Ph.D., Scania

This investigation evaluates the influence of different transmission fluidson the material compatibility from a thermal and corrosion perspectiverelated to eMachines and transmission for electric motors intendedfor Heavy Vehicle propulsion systems. Results show that different fluidshave a significant impact of the compatibility and, thus, the overallsystem performance.

Mattias Forslund is development engineer of materialsfor eMobility at Scania CV AB, Sweden, where hespecializes in electrical insulation systems (eMobility,electric machine, power electronics, and batteries). Healso was a former project leader in PHM (prognosticsand health management) for electronics. Prior to joiningScania, Forslund was an inspection engineer for Nynas AB.

He received his Ph.D. in chemistry/corrosion science from Royal Institute ofTechnology (KTH), Sweden, and master’s degree in material chemistry fromUppsala University, Sweden.

9:30 – 10 amInnovative Design of Lubricants Test Rig for E-Greaseand E-Fluid (Virtual Presentation)Deepak H. Veeregowda, Ph.D., Ducom Instruments

A new generation of component test rigs relevant to battery poweredelectric vehicles (EVs) have become essential for the lubricants industrythat is investing heavily in the EV marketplace. In this presentation, wewill describe our efforts in designing and manufacturing an electriclubricants test rig known with a two-stage lubricated bearings that canbe tested at a speed up to 30,000 rpm and at load up to 15 kN. Bearingscan be lubricated with grease or oils; lubricants can be heated up to150˚C using our two-stage heat exchanger. Rotordynamics and coolingsystem design are key techniques to reduce the test rigs downtime andimprove safety of the operator. We will elaborate on these techniquesduring the presentation. Each bearing station is embedded with smartsensors that captures the vibration, noise, bearing friction andtemperature of the lubricated system. The sensor system is MOOHAenabled that completely automates the process of data collection, cloudstorage, analytics, and reporting, collectively they provide insight toe-grease or e-fluid performance (i.e., antiwear, thermal conductivity,friction, and fatigue resistance). We will share a case study that describesthe performance of few electrical lubricants widely used in electricmotor and electric wheel hubs of battery powered EVs. The electriclubricants test rig is the first in the market that is aimed at creatingrelevant lubricants test beds for better performance of EVs andempower the idea of reducing carbon emission through electrification.

Deepak Veeregowda has 10 years of experience intribology, design of precision instruments and innovation.He received his Ph.D. in 2012. Since then, he works asGlobal Head of Marketing at Ducom Instruments(Netherlands). He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles and received multiple research grantsin Netherlands.

10 – 10:15 am | Break

10:15 – 10:45 amDielectric and Electrochemical Properties of Lubricantsfor Electric Drivetrains and their Influence on theLubricant-Stator InterfaceMichael Miller, Ph.D., Southwest Research Institute

New requirements in lubricants for electric and hybrid vehicledrivetrains are emerging with performance characteristics that areneither well defined nor completely understood in this context ofapplication. Notably, the electrical properties of the lubricantsthemselves, such as complex dielectric permittivity (or electricalconductivity), dielectric breakdown, the temperature dependence ofdielectric permittivity, and electrochemical activity, can have importantinfluences on the interfacial and bulk material stability of dielectriccoatings and the underlying copper wire that constitute the statorelements of the electric motor. To add to the complexity of theapplication, we must develop a holistic understanding of such electricalcharacteristics alongside the fluidic and tribological performance of thelubricant. This talk will address the fundamental principles governingthe complex dielectric permittivity (and complex conductivity)properties of dielectric fluids (lubricants) and wire coatings, thestructure-property relationships of these properties, and the methodsused to study their influence on the lubricant-stator interface to assesslubricant-stator compatibility and prognostics of service lifetime.

Michael Miller is an Institute Scientist at SouthwestResearch Institute (SwRI). He received his Ph.D. in physicalchemistry from the University of Texas at San Antonioand has over 36 years of experience as a physical andsynthetic chemist, specializing in computationalchemistry/materials, surface science, solid-state chemistry,as well as molecular spectroscopy. The main thrust of

his work has been on the development of first-principles theoreticalmodels and experimental methods aimed at predicting or determiningphysical and chemical pathways for the formation or dispositionof materials. He has expertise in the development of scalableplasma-based processes for the synthesis of coatings andchemical intermediates.



10:45 – 11:15 amEfficiency Performance of Lubricants for ElectricVehicle PowertrainsProf. Dr.-Ing. Karsten Stahl, FZG

Based on their special challenges, the specific requirements for thelubrication of electric vehicle (EV) powertrains are highlighted. Suitabletest procedures to measure the efficiency performance of lubricantsunder typical operating conditions of EV powertrains are presented,such as the hyper-high-speed electric vehicle drivetrain test rig(speed4E), the FZG EV gearbox efficiency test rig and the FZG gearefficiency test rig with an outlook to high-speed upgrade. Exemplaryresults from these test rigs with various lubricants will be presented,with focus on water-containing polyalkylene glycol (PAGW). Thepotential but also the challenges of PAGW in EV powertrains will alsobe discussed.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karsten Stahl is director of the GearResearch Centre (FZG) and full professor at the TechnicalUniversity Munich. In the focus of his research areexperimental, simulative, and analytical investigationsof endurance, tribology, NVH, materials and fatigue lifeanalysis of gears and transmission elements, with thetarget to develop methods and tools for reliable

determination of fatigue life, efficiency, and vibration characteristics. Heis the author of more than 200 scientific publications, board member ofseveral scientific associations, convener of DIN and ISO working groups,editor of several scientific journals and president of the VDI InternationalConference on Gears.

11:15 – 11:30 am | Break

Session 6: EV Hardware Trends –Stakeholder PerspectivesModerator: Dairene Uy, Ph.D., Shell Global Solutions(US) Inc.

Panel Discussion | 11:30 am – 1 pm

Needs in Fundamental Understanding of ElectricVehiclesHong Liang, Ph.D., Texas A&M University

During this presentation, we’ll summarize our current knowledge oflubricants and discuss fundamental questions to be answered lookingahead to the future of electric vehicles (EVs).

Hong Liang is a professor in the J. Mike Walker ’66Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&MUniversity. In her academic career of more than 20 years,she has been trying to understand the properties andperformance of fluids, solids, and their interfacialinteractions. In addition to working with students, Honghas been an active member of STLE since 1989, including

serving on STLE’s Board Directors (2007-2013). Currently, she is a member ofSTLE’s Executive Committee. She has also served as chair of the STLE AnnualMeeting Program Committee (AMPC), Awards Committee and FellowsCommittee. She is also an editor for the Tribology International journal.

Challenges of Hardware and Fluid Design for ElectricDrive Units (Virtual Presentation)Troy Muransky, American Axle & Manufacturing

In this talk, we’ll discuss comparing an electric drive unit (EDU) to atraditional axle and will cover these topics: 1) Required Gear/BearingDurability for unit with 10x more cycle count and 3-4x higher RPM,2) High Demand to Cooling and Lubrication with Higher SustainedTemperatures, 3) Fluid Additive Compatibility with a High Surface Areaof Exposed Cooper, and 4) Vent Expulsion Prevention and ContinuousLubrication Based on Foaming/Aeration.

Troy Muransky is a senior materials engineer forAmerican Axle & Manufacturing, with primaryresponsibility for all driveline lubricants used within AAMapplications. Troy has over 15 years of experience in theautomotive industry in various roles including materialsengineering, process engineering, environmentalengineering, analytical chemistry, and laboratory

management. His technical expertise is focused on driveline lubricatingfluids, corrosion resistance coatings, and surface treatments, with most ofhis professional career being centered on research, development, testing,and launch of organic materials used in automotive applications. Hecurrently serves as a senior member of the Lubricant Review Institute (LRI)Review Committee and is an active member of the SAE Fuels and LubricantsTC 3 Driveline and Chassis Lubrication Committee since 2010.

Fluids for Electrified Vehicles – Past, Present, andFutureJoe Noles, Infineum USA L.P.

Lubricants have been used in electrified vehicle drivetrains, both hybridand battery electric, for over 25 years. We’ll review the technical andcommercial factors that led to the choice of the first e-fluids and howthose fluids have performed and evolved over time. To help stimulateour discussion, we’ll finish with a view of how key hardware trendsfor electrified vehicles will lead to new performance requirements forfuture e-fluids and what those fluids might look like.

Joe Noles is global technology advisor for Infineum USAL.P. After obtaining a Ph.D. in chemical engineering fromCornell University, Joe joined Exxon Chemical and heldvarious technology and marketing roles, includingcrankcase oil formulator and ATF market manager. WhenExxon Chemical and Shell Chemical formed Infineumin 1999, Joe served as technical service manager for

speciality additives, which included ATF, gear oil, 2T, and railroad oils and in2004 returned to ATF as the global technology advisor for transmissionfluids, responsible for developing factory fill ATF, DCTF, CVTF, and e-Fluids.



Fluid Implications for Electric Vehicle DrivetrainsFarrukh Qureshi, Ph.D., The Lubrizol Corporation

The transition from internal combustion vehicle (ICE) powered vehiclesto electric motor-powered vehicles is fundamentally changing lubricantrequirements. There is the obvious elimination of the ICE. The drivetrain,which is responsible for transmitting power from the source to thewheels, is starkly different. In some ways, the drivetrain has becomemechanically simpler. On the other hand, lubrication of bearings andgears in e-vehicles is more challenging due to the high rotationalspeeds of the motor output shaft. Current capability of gear/lubricanttesting is limited to a few thousand revolutions per minute, suitablefor conventional vehicles. Improved test capability for mechanicalcomponents is needed for evaluation and further development oflubricants/mechanical systems. Lubricants are used to reduce friction,increase bearing and gear life, and dissipate heat to manage theoperating temperature. In addition to the needs of materialcompatibility, copper corrosion protection and thermal management,improving component-level efficiency and durability of mechanicalsystems will be discussed. Some data detailing the impact of viscosityon temperature rise, power loss, and bearing skidding at high speedwill be shared.

Farrukh Qureshi is a Technical Fellow in StrategicResearch in R&D at The Lubrizol Corporation. His currentareas of research include electric vehicle drivelinetribology, fuel economy, additive-surface interactions,elastohydrodynamic lubrication and high-pressurerheology. He joined Lubrizol’s Corporate Research andDevelopment in 1998 and has been providing global

tribology leadership for the Lubrizol Additives. Currently, he serves onSTLE’s Board of Directors and is an STLE Fellow. Farrukh has authored orco-authored more than 40 publications and serves on editorial boards ofIMECHE Journal of Engineering Tribology and Tribology–Materials, Surfacesand Interfaces. He has also been active in the ASME Tribology Division,where he has held various leadership positions.

Topic: TBAThomas Wellmann, FEV

Thomas Wellmann has been at FEV for more than20 years in different roles. Thomas started his career inNVH (noise, vibration, harshness), where he was engagedin multiple projects for powertrain and driveling NVH,including conventional and electrified powertrains.Activities include detailed studies such as drivelinetorsional analysis and isolation, engine start/stop

investigations, hybrid system strategy analysis, with focus on fuel economyand driveline NVH, as well as integration of electric drive units. With focuson transmissions and drivelines, his responsibilities grew to oversee allvehicle and component testing in this area, including projects on drivelineefficiency, durability, and vehicle fuel economy for conventional, hybridelectric and fully electrified powertrains. He has published severalpublications on the topics of driveline electrification of propulsions systems.

Technology Trends in Battery Pack ThermalManagementIan Smith, Southwest Research Institute

While electric vehicles are significantly more efficient than conventionalinternal combustion powered vehicles, thermal management of thebattery pack is critical for the vehicles to meet customer performanceand life expectations. This presentation/discussion will cover the currentand future trends of battery pack thermal management systemsincluding immersed (dielectric) coolants, novel control strategies andunique materials to balance heat transfer and safety during thermalrunaway.

Ian Smith is the manager of the Electrified PowertrainSection at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). He leadsa team of engineers and technicians responsible forresearch and development and testing of lithium-ionbattery cells, modules, and packs, electric motors andinverters, and fuel cells. His work at SwRI has recentlyfocused on evaluating dielectric coolants for lithium-ion

batteries and lubricants for electric motors to improve performance,durability, and safety. Additionally, Smith is the program manager for theElectrified Vehicle and Energy Storage Evaluation (EVESE) Consortium atSwRI. This program focuses on evaluating the current state-of-the artelectrified vehicle technologies and conducts research related to improvingthese technologies.

1 – 3 pmWrap Up and Tour of SwRI Facility


Upcoming Industry Events

OilDoc Conference & Exhibition | Hybrid EventKultur- und Kongresszentrum RosenheimNovember 17-19, 2021Bavaria, Germany

23rd International Tribology Colloquium Tribology |Hybrid EventTechnische Akademie EsslingenJanuary 25-27, 2022Stuttgart/Ostfildern, Germany

76th STLE Annual Meeting & ExhibitionWalt Disney World Swan & Dolphin ResortMay 15-19, 2022Orlando, Florida (USA)

7th World Tribology CongressLyon Convention CentreJuly 10-15, 2022Lyon, France

2022 STLE Tribology Frontiers ConferenceCleveland Marriott Downtown at Key TowerNovember 13-15, 2022Cleveland, Ohio (USA)

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tribology and lubrication for e-mobility

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