Battery safety and performance are crucial factors in earning customer trust. Introducing Pro Seung-bin Hong and Eun-bi Ye, who are enhancing battery quality through simulation technology.

Q. What is battery cell simulation?

Pro Seung-bin Hong) SAMSUNG SDI utilizes advanced simulation technology throughout the entire process—from development and mass production to products delivered to the field—to accurately diagnose the performance of battery cells. Simulation models are developed for specific purposes such as fast charging, output performance, and low-temperature charging, providing relevant insights from the design stage to currently marketed products under various conditions.

Pro Eun-bi Ye) SAMSUNG SDI also conducts simulations in safety. When designing battery cells, various tests are carried out to verify safety. By appropriately utilizing simulation during this process, the company can analyze and predict battery cell behavior more efficiently, which supports better decision-making.

[Pro Eun-bi Ye is in charge of predicting and analyzing battery safety.]

Q. Please introduce your role and responsibilities at work.

Pro Eun-bi Ye) As customer requirements and technologies become more diverse and sophisticated, our group is dedicated to developing and operating predictive simulation models that meet those needs.

To this end, our group is broadly divided into two areas: performance and safety. I belong to the safety team, where we focus on predicting and analyzing potential issues in battery cells through various simulations, including structural analysis, drop impact analysis, and thermal analysis.

Pro Seung-bin Hong) I work in the performance team, where we conduct various simulations to maximize the performance of battery cells. In particular, I focus on establishing development guidelines for output performance and charging, as well as developing fast charging patterns. Specifically, we use electrochemical models that incorporate cell design elements and active material properties to simulate battery cell performance and conduct experimental validation.

In addition, we have recently been conducting BBU* related simulations using high-power models. Since BBUs, which are used only in emergencies, are required to have a long service life of up to 10 years, it is important to assess potential risks and accurately predict performance over extended use through simulation.

*BBU (Backup Battery Unit): a backup power battery used in communication base stations and data centers.

[Pro Seung-bin Hong is in charge of predicting the performance and lifespan of power tools and BBU.]

Q. Do you have any episodes that you remember specifically?

Pro Seung-bin Hong) The simulation I participated in back in 2022 was the most memorable experience. Even now, three years later, the validation process is still ongoing, and the data I predicted has proven to be remarkably accurate. Moments like this give me a strong sense of pride and fulfillment. Verifying the actual results after the simulation is just as important as the simulation process itself. Understanding how closely our predictions align with real-world outcomes allows us to incorporate improvements into future simulations.

Pro Eun-bi Ye) I would like to highlight the overall improvement efforts we are currently making on our simulation models. To enhance the accuracy and reliability of the simulations, our group is working on internal projects, and when necessary, we collaborate with other departments as well. As technological development continues, we expect the accuracy of our simulations to improve steadily over time.

Q. What is your group’s unique culture that you’re proud of?

Pro Seung-bin Hong) Nearly half of our group members joined after 2023, so we have a relatively young and friendly environment. This makes it easy for us to bond, and as a result, spontaneous gatherings are quite common. From time to time, we get together to go bowling or play board games. Even when work gets tough, these moments help us recharge and relieve stress, which is something I really appreciate.

Pro Eun-bi Ye) I also think that enjoying a cup of coffee during lunch break is one of the great parts of our group culture. Although it’s not something we plan ahead, many of us gather in small groups after lunch for a tea time. It’s a great opportunity to have open conversations on various topics and get to know and understand our group members better.

[The simulation group enjoys spending quality time together outside the office.]