KERI Leads the New Era of Electric Vehicle
KERI Leads the New Era of Electric Vehicle
  • Yeon Choul-woong
  • 승인 2012.04.28 18:02
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Kim Ho-yong, President of KERI

“Electricity is just like water. It is always present throughout our lives. Consequently, people sometimes seem to take it for granted. Having understood the importance of using precious electricity in an easy, safe, an convenient manner, KERI has always searched for ways to utilize its 34-year-old, cutting-edge technologies for the advancement of Korean society,” Kim Ho-yong, President of Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) recently stated.

KERI will participate in the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS 26), the global electric transportation industry's premier and largest forum, slated to be held on May 6 through 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). KERI seems fully prepared to introduce its R&D capabilities and business visions at the EVS 26. Specifically speaking, KERI is scheduled to put its prototypes on display and make presentations on its R&D achievements related to EV monitoring, charging infrastructure, charger, secondary batteries, power train, traction motor/drive, charging equipment test system, etc. on May 7. In the lead-up to the EVS 26, Korea IT Times sat down with Ho-Yong Kim, President of KERI, to learn about the future visions of the small but strong research institute that aspires to become the global leader in the electrotechnology industry.

Q. We’d like to learn what kinds of changes have been brought to KERI since your inauguration as KERI president last year.

A. I have been assuming this top position for six months. Though I have worked for KERI since the very early days of KERI’s foundation, I have rediscovered KERI’s strengths after spending several months at the helm. KERI is a stable organization that is unafraid of changes and once goals are set, it pushes ahead towards those goals in a single-minded fashion. As a matter of fact, visitors to KERI often leave with the opinion of KERI as a bona fide research institute that truly smacks of a R&D center.

Under the slogan of “The first in Korea, The best in the world," KERI aims to become a small but strong research institute that is armed with global competitiveness. Above all, setting a high premium on low-carbon, highly reliable, convergence-based strategies, KERI seeks to differentiate itself from its rivals and become the world’s number one. To that end, KERI is steering its R&D activities towards less trodden areas, such as next-generation power grid technologies, high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) technology, convergence of medical equipment technologies, electric propulsion technologies, testing and certification of electrical devices, as well as nano-based electrical new materials.

Furthermore, KERI researchers are ramping up their demand-oriented studies rather than locking horns with other companies in short-term, performance-based competition. Whether their work is demand-based is also factors into the process of selecting and evaluating R&D tasks to ensure that KERI’s R&D achievements truly live up to the demands of the nation and industry. By doing so, KERI hopes to be recognized as an electrotechnology research institute that creates genuine value.

In particular, the fact that KERI has been handpicked as one of the world’s three certifying authorities, along with the Netherlands’s KEMA and Italy’s CESI, in the global electrotechnology testing and certification sector, proves that all of KERI’s employees have been highly goal-oriented.

EV quick charger recently installed in SK gas station

Q. What were the last year’s R&D achievements and what are this year’s key R&D projects of interest

A. As a result of KERI’s continuous endeavors to maintain pace with the times, KERI’s growth has been more splendid than any other government-funded research institute in Korea. As KERI has either earned the title of the world’s first or developed the world’s first-tier technologies in numerous research areas, KERI has grown rapidly and stably enough to be benchmarked by other R&D institutions around the world.

KERI is also spearheading the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies: it successfully developed and transferred the technology for the world’s top-notch high-performance, high-temperature, superconducting power lines that are capable of carrying up to 170 times more power than copper cabling of the same size, a technology which was developed last year. On top of that, KERI’s technology for mass-producing graphene, touted as "the next big thing," was named as “the world’s No.1 technology” by Korea Research Council for Industrial Science and Technology (IstK), a body that is part of the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and is in charge of coordinating government-funded research institutions in Korea. This technology was transferred to a private company this year at KRW 500 million in initial lump sum payment and a running royalty rate of 2.7%.

KERI has continuously seen its royalties increase over 18% annually: in 2011, KERI raked in KRW 5.5 billion in royalties, a barometer of the excellence of our R&D achievements. This clearly indicates that KERI is conducting demand-based R&D projects in a preemptive manner so as to better support companies.

In the testing and certification sector, KERI attained the goal of earning full membership of the Short-Circuit Testing Liaison (STL), which can be dubbed as “the G10” in the global testing and certification sector. Furthermore, KERI, along with the Netherlands’s KEMA and Italy’s CESI, has emerged as one of the world’s three electric technology certifiers. Continuing its march towards the world’s best, Keri set its next goal: expansion of 4000MVA power testing facilities.

Research-wise, KERI has set its sights on developing next-generation power grids that can be likened to the national energy industry’s artery and high voltage direct current transmission (HVDC) systems, which are thought to be one of the future technologies that would lead the next-generation electricity industry forward. Projects for next-generation power grids are about developing technologies that would ensure the economical, sustainable management of national power networks in real time. To keep power transmission cheaper and electric losses down, a high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission system uses direct current for the bulk transmission of electrical power, in contrast with the more common alternating current systems. On top of this, HVDC systems can run on much smaller, lower towers.

In addition, KERI plans to channel much of its R&D capability into the electric propulsion sector such as electric vehicles and electric vessels. KERI already has the three key technologies under its belt: secondary batteries, high-speed charging and discharging systems and control systems. In particular, KERI has already commenced the development of four-wheeled, vertical-axis EVs that run without a transmission and gear, the essential parts of internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. Furthermore, KERI’s efforts to enhance the energy density of lithium batteries and developing new batteries and key technologies for building up EV infrastructures, such as charging systems, are expected to bear fruit in the near future, thereby expanding EV ownership.

Another vital project this year is carrying out the reinforcement of 4000MVA power testing facilities without fail, one of the long-fostered business projects of the Korean heavy electric equipment industry. KERI has already set up a taskforce dedicated to the building-up of 4000MVA power testing facilities and is making efforts to facilitate this project through the allocation of equity resources.

KERI brings a safer, cleaner and more convenient world

Q. We heard that KERI last year became a full member of the Short-Circuit Testing Liaison (STL). Could you elaborate on the significance of earning full membership status

A. Though KERI entrenched itself as one of the world’s three official electric equipment certifiers, KERI had left two projects unresolved for the long term: one, completing full membership status of Short-circuit Testing Liaison (STL), and two, the building-up and upgrade of 4000MVA power testing facilities.

KERI went to great lengths to become one of the world’s top accreditors. After having made several unsuccessful attempts, KERI finally succeeded in earning full membership of the STL in May of 2011, an accolade that the Korean heavy electric equipment industry had long yearned for. By doing so, KERI jumped over the high barriers erected by global certifiers, mostly European, to become the world’s tenth STL member.

More important is that KERI certifications are now able to be passed anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is fair to say that KERI has laid the groundwork for massively increasing the Korean heavy electric equipment industry’s exports. KERI is also projected to see an increase in revenues from testing and certification services for overseas companies.

Q. KERI seems to be keen on strengthening technological exchanges with other R&D institutions and companies. What do you expect from industry-academia technical tie-ups

A. The notion that R&D institutions’ raison d'etre lies with the creation of practical values is an irresistible trend of today. Taking full advantage of Technology Licensing Office (TLO), KERI has worked hard to make excellent R&D achievements result in technology transfer. In March of this year, KERI launched “KERI Technology Commercialization Association” and 52 out of 420 companies, who did business with KERI through either technology transfer deals or joint research projects for six years, were selected as the initial members of the committee. Also, KERI has recently held a slew of technology transfer symposiums with industrial heavyweights (e.g. POSCO, Korea Water Resources Corporation, Doosan Heavy Industries& Construction Co, etc.) in the areas of superconductivity, new renewable energy and electric power facilities).

Q. What does KERI do to bump up its global competitiveness and could you tell us about your preconceived plans

A. KERI has already obtained world-class, key technologies such as carbon nanotube (CNT) transparent electrodes, the world’s best second-generation, high-temperature superconducting power lines and Cylindrical nano lithography and etching technology utilizing magnetic levitation. Theseercialized through technology transfer.

KERI’s other technologies are also considered as pioneering, instilled with global competitiveness in the near future–for example, the 4000MVA power testing facilities; semiconductor device-based pulse generators, high-temperature, superconducting energy storage devices (MJ-level coil technology for HTS SMES (high temperature superconducting magnetic energy storage)), and nano-based hybrid materials. Thus, KERI is going the extra mile to advance the development of these technologies in a world-class institute.

By 2015, A total of KRW 160 billion will be ploughed into the project in the attempt to expand 4000 MVA power testing facilities, which the Korean heavy electric equipment industry has long pursued and would be the largest-ever business project undertaken by KERI. Once this project is completed, more brisk R&D activities by companies and a sharp increase in exports by the Korean heavy electric equipment industry are anticipated. Ultimately, the completion of this project will greatly help KERI grow into the world’s best electrotechnology accreditor by 2020, a title currently held by the Netherlands’s KEMA.

KERI puts its effort on promoting EV-related technologies along with expanding charging infrastructure


Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) is scheduled to participate in the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS 26), the global electric transportation industry's premier and largest forum.

KERI will unveil its state-of-the-art EV technologies at the upcoming international exhibition, conjointly partaken in by a plethora of global EV manufacturers.

Kim Ho-yong, President of KERI, said KERI would attend the 26th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS 26), slated to be held on May 6 - 9, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center ( LACC).

The International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exposition (EVS) series, organized by the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA), is recognized as the premier event for academic, government and industry professionals involved in electric drive technologies. The EVS, now in its 26th year, rotates its meeting venues among the US, the EU and the Asia Pacific Region.

The EVS’s175 participating companies include globally leading EV manufacturers, EV part suppliers developing cutting-edge EV technologies, and world-renowned research centers. The EVS 26 will feature numerous displays of the latest products, a series of presentations on R&D achievements, exhibitions and test drive opportunities.

KERI steps closer in expansion of 4000 MVA class power testing facilities.

KERI is poised to introduce its EV-related R&D capabilities and set forth its EV business vision at the EVS 26. On the second day of the event, KERI will put its prototypes on display and deliver presentations regarding its EV-related R&D activities such as EV monitoring, charging infrastructure, chargers, secondary batteries, power trains, traction motor/drive devices and traction motor/drive systems.

KERI is set to vigorously promote its R&D achievements related to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, secondary batteries and monitoring systems.

KERI’s presentations at EVS26 will also cover KERI’s ongoing EV projects (smart grids and EV monitoring) in Jeju Island and Changwon in Korea, and its R&D results on highly efficient, high-speed and standard chargers, which are the key to boosting EV ownership. As a matter of fact, KERI has already successfully developed high-speed chargers: 20 kWh batteries that promise fully-charged EVs in 17 minutes and 16kWh batteries, which offer a charge differential of 10% to 90% in a mere 14 minutes.

Do-Hyun Kang, the head of Electric Propulsion Research Division, said, “KERI has undertaken EV research activities since 1988 to live up to new industrial demands for less CO2 emissions and energy conservation. In 1993, KERI became the first Korean company to develop and successfully test drive Korea’s first-ever EV. As a result, KERI has accumulated a multitude of EV-related technologies ranging from key components (secondary batteries) to motors and charging infrastructure testers.” “In a situation where the EV industry gets the hottest attention in the global auto industry, and with assistance from the government and industry leaders, our participation in the EVS 26 will serve as a great opportunity to impress overseas experts with KERI’s EV-related R&D prowess and business initiatives,” he added.

On the domestic front, KERI clearly found favor with foreign delegations at the 2012 IAEC (International Association of Educating Cities) in Changwon, which was held on April 25 through 29. At the event, KERI showcased its EV charging stands, high-speed chargers, portable power-generating systems, EV motors and new cathode materials for secondary batteries.

KERI’s EV development and its history

KERI utilizes mass production of graphene, touted as the next big thing

KERI, which embarked on the development of EV technologies in 1988, has obtained three key EV technologies: secondary batteries, high-speed charging and discharging systems and control systems. At the 1993 Daejeon World Expo, Korea’s first EV, developed by KERI, was successfully test-driven and shown off by shuttling EXPO attendes back and forth. Since then, KERI has successfully developed an array of EV technologies including EV light-weight motors and control devices (from 1993-1995), multi-gate motor system control technology (from 1996-1998), and in-wheel motors and controllers for EVs (from 1997-1998). Backed by its hard-earned EV technologies, KERI has stayed at the forefront of the EV industry: it hosted a symposium on EV technology development and industrialization on November 3, 2009 in a bid to promote EV technology development and speed up the commercialization of EVs. On top of this, KERI signed an EV joint R&D cooperation pact with the Korea Transport Institute on April 14, 2010.

EV R&D Tasks and Current Situation

Amid a growing interest in EVs domestically and globally, KERI has diligently worked on upgrading key EV technologies, played a leading role in building EV infrastructure and preemptively setting standards by running in-house test beds for EV charging infrastructures. KERI’s Electric Propulsion Research Division has been focused on developing key components such as motors, inverters, EV power converters, batteries and high-speed chargers and charging infrastructures linked to power supply systems.

In particular, KERI has already commenced the development of four-wheeled, vertical-axis EVs that run without a transmission and gear, the essential parts of internal combustion engine-powered vehicles. Furthermore, KERI’s efforts for enhancing the energy density of lithium batteries as well as developing new batteries and key technologies for better EV infrastructure, such as charging systems, are expected to bear fruit in the foreseeable future, thereby enhancing EV ownership.

Also in the pipeline of KERI are varied EV services and R&D projects – for example, a project designed to test and certify EV chargers and various high-voltage parts. In the long term, KERI is committed to developing system operation technologies for EV driving linked to smart grids, as well as conducting studies on diverse EV policies and charging fees.

As for EV charging infrastructure, KERI has already taken a step ahead of ahead of the competition by developing a high-speed charger for Korean-made EVs that cuts the charging time (which was generally 30 minutes in 2011) by up to 50%. Since then KERI transferred the technology to Korea Display System (KODI-S), a Korean company engaged in designing LCD probe units and EV rapid chargers, which then succeeded in commercializing the technology. Thanks to this technology, small-sized vehicles can completely recharge in just 14 minutes. Along with a reduced charging time, EVs will be equipped with a built-in smart electricity calculator in preparation for flexible fee systems.

On top of that, under the smart grid-linked EV monitoring project initiated by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy of Korea, KERI is carrying out a pilot project in Gyeongsangnam-do, (a province in the southeast of South Korea) to comprehensively study EV driving environments from the perspective of drivers themselves. The smart grid-linked EV monitoring project, which covers Changwon and cities and counties within a 30 km radius of Gyeongsangnam-do, aims to discover obstacles to EV popularization by installing EV charging infrastructure and operating electric-powered trucks and EVs in real world settings.

Moreover, taking advantage of its geographically location, KERI, based in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, is expanding its local projects in collaboration with Changwon and Gyeongsangnam-do. For instance, KERI is pressing ahead with a local project aimed at fostering local suppliers of EV key components in order to set up mutually-reinforcing supply chains, whereby local companies directly participate in EV production processes ranging from the production of parts to finished goods. In the end, locally-manufactured EVs will roam around Changwon City and Gyeongsangnam-do. In other words, this project envisions a mutually-reinforcing supply chain whereby local companies receive support for innovatively creating and providing key EV components and companies specializing in assembling parts and producing finished goods will concurrently be nurtured.

Aside from developing EV-related R&D efforts, KERI researchers are also busy working on the EV standard-setting initiative, led by Korea Smart Grid Association (KSGA). Chief researcher Dae-Kyung Kim has assumed the position of smart grid standard coordinator while researcher Hong-Je Rue and researcher Sang-Pil Ahn are working as project leaders (PL) at the direct current (DC) charging division and the DC connector division respectively.

Researchers Hong-Gwan Son and Jong-Sue Kim are engaged in alternating current (AC) charging and communications protocol areas. In addition, researchers Geun-Hee Lim and Eon-Seok Kim are on the Technical Committee 69 (TC69) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Indeed, KERI researchers are playing a pivotal role in drawing up standards for a substantial variety of EVs.


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