Get to know Wolfram Ratzke from AVL-SFR
“I did my PhD in Physics at the University of Regensburg in Germany. As software has always been a part of my life, I decided to enter the domain of software engineering, not as a developer but as a project manager. After starting my professional career at video analytics and AI based algorithms, I joined AVL-SFR 3 years ago. I have already led several projects related to distributed systems, comprising wireless data transmission and cloud technologies.”
What was your original motivation to become a researcher/project manager?
“Project Management is a kind of artistic expression. In many projects, you start with a white sheet of paper, and with the project’s end you will hold a complete working solution in your hand. Dealing with challenges is what Physicist love to do. As a Project Manager, you will find many of them in your daily work.”
What is your (main) research area today?
“Distributed systems are of my main interest, as they comprise several layers of hardware and software.”
What is the main focus of your team in NEXTBMS?
“AVL-SFR is primarily responsible for the communication between the BMS and the cloud and will set up the cloud infrastructure that hosts the partners’ algorithms”
Could you describe your favourite moment/satisfaction when working for the project and – more in general – for your organisation?
“As the project proposal was written and organized through online meetings, a very special moment was when all partners met in person for the first time.”
How do you expect NEXTBMS results will affect your organisation and the energy storage sector?
“AVL-SFR has been developing BMS for a long time, with a comprehensive portfolio of BMS hardware, basis software and core functions. NEXTBMS will help AVL-SFR to push their solutions and services to the next level, a connected BMS which adapts itself over time to provide better performance and more value to the end-user.
The majority of the manufacturing industry will need to transition towards electrification. Solutions developed in the automotive sector will serve as precursors for technologies in broader energy storage systems, driven by the demands of volatile renewable energy sources.”
