In this interview, we talk to Jody and Jan authors of the book Lithium-Ion Battery Standards. We discuss the motivation behind writing the book, the target audience, the most useful aspects of the book, the challenges of writing the book, and advice for other engineers who are considering writing a book.
Jan Swart is a practicing electrical engineer with over 22 years of experience. He received his Ph.D. from California Coast University and his masters diploma from Cape Technikon, currently known as Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Jody Leber is a distinguished international compliance professional with over 35 years of expertise in product testing and certification, currently serving as the Global Business Manager for Energy Storage at CSA Group. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to advancing safety and efficiency in the energy sector, particularly in the realms of batteries and energy storage systems.
1.Could you summarize the main content of your book? What are the key topics addressed?
The book provides an introduction into Lithium-ion battery technology and battery safety that can be used in the classroom, and by professionals in the design, sustaining and safety engineering fields. The book is a tool to teach Lithium b-ion based battery technology and assist product designers utilizing lithium-ion based batteries in their products. The critical aspect is safety and how to implement battery safety in product designs. Each Chapter is dedicated to a specific product type and provides guidance on implementing lithium-ion based battery safety into the product design.
2.What is the primary purpose of your book? How do you envision it helping readers in their work or studies?
The book is a design tool to provide students with an introduction to Lithium-ion battery technology. The book can also be used as a reference in the professional world to provide context and background on the requirements for Lithium-ion battery design, failure modes and safety standards that are applicable to the various product categories in the United States.
3.What sets your book apart from other works in the same field? Are there any innovative concepts, methodologies, or insights that make it stand out?
Our book is unique as the book offers the reader a comprehensive introduction into Lithium-ion cell technology, failure modes, battery design architectures, battery design architectures associated with various product technologies and then a comprehensive guide to the safety standards associated with the product categories. Another unique feature of the book is the breakdown of the standards into the battery subsystems, and an explanation of the relevant standards categories as they relate to the battery cell, the battery, the power source, the charger and the integrated product.
4.Who is the intended readership for your book? Are there specific industries, professionals, or fields of study that would benefit most from this content?
Designers of any product that employs lithium-based batteries would benefit from our book. Academia, students and professionals in the design, sustaining and safety engineering fields.
5.What are the most important lessons or insights you want readers to take away from this book?
Ensuring lithium-based products that are placed on the market are designed to prevent fires and other hazards associated with lithium-based products.
6.Does your book include any original research, case studies, or data? If so, could you highlight some of the most significant findings?
Lithium-ion battery cell and battery system failure modes.
7.Does your book address any new or emerging trends in the field? How does it prepare readers for future developments?
The book aligns with the current safety requirements for lithium-based products and will be revised to address new technologies and new trends.
8.What personal experiences, if any, have shaped your perspective or approach to the topics discussed in your book?
Jan Swart, Ph.D., CFEI, CVFI.
Dr. Swart is an international consultant with 30 years industry experience. He applies engineering and science principals in the safety, analysis, investigation, and failure understanding of Lithium-ion battery systems utilized in automotive, industrial and consumer products. Dr. Swart is internationally recognized as a Lithium-ion battery system expert. Dr. Swart utilizes his vast failure analysis experience and provides his clients with in-depth and unique technical consulting services. Dr. Swart also provides Lithium-ion battery system safety design support during new product development and has investigated various high profile battery system failures. His electronic, electrical and control system failure analysis investigation experience helps his clients make informed technical and safety related decisions. He is an active contributor to the industry in the Lithium-ion battery systems space. Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Swart presented lectures on Electronics and Control Systems in South Africa and served as a member of a tertiary College Executive Council. He spent two years in renewable energy research in South African and Germany. He has held various technical and research positions in South Africa, Germany and the USA.
Jody Leber is a distinguished international compliance professional with over 35 years of expertise in product testing and certification, currently serving as the Global Business Manager for Energy Storage at CSA Group. His extensive career is marked by a commitment to advancing safety and efficiency in the energy sector, particularly in the realms of batteries and energy storage systems.
Jody’s academic foundation in engineering and technology provided the bedrock for his deep understanding of critical areas such as Electromagnetic Interference, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Environmental Simulation, and Product Safety. He has honed his skills in laboratory management and operations, driving market expansion through innovative strategies and rigorous compliance standards.
Learn more about the book on our websites:
ARTECH HOUSE USA : Lithium-Ion Battery Standards
ARTECH HOUSE U.K.: Lithium-Ion Battery Standards
More Power Engineering content here Power Engineering – Artech House Insider
