Automotive + Manufacturing, Power + Energy
General Motors approached Ideal Contracting to collaborate with Hubbell, Roth, & Clark (HRC) Engineering to design and build a battery tear-down testing lab. This new lab was constructed inside of an existing building on the GM Milford Proving Ground site in Milford, Michigan. With the completion of this project, General Motors will utilize this completely blast-proof space to test electric vehicle (EV) batteries and have ample outdoor storage to store defective batteries.
The GM MPG Building 16 Battery Lab is particularly interesting as it had to be designed and built as completely blast-proof. Incorporated into the design were unique blow-out panels, intense ventilation systems, and heavy fire-suppression requirements to mitigate the immense pressures and blast potential of EV batteries in the lab. Another unique aspect of the project is that it was built inside of an existing facility. This challenge prompted our team and project partners to determine how to make the battery lab’s utilities and infrastructure completely independent from the existing building’s.
By selecting and working together with our electrical and mechanical subcontractors early in the project, we were able to identify the requirements for a new substation within the building. Likewise, we identified the need for four hour fire-proof ratings that needed to be applied to the concrete and newly-installed steel columns inside the lab. The battery lab has its own separate power, gas feeder, generator, and air compressor. In addition to the block building, Ideal Contracting also installed a one-of-a-kind fire-burn box. This will be used to house other suspect batteries, and it also has a built-in canopy to serve as extra storage for GM.
This project was a unique experience for all who were involved. Ideal Contracting is proud to have partnered with General Motors on this design-build effort and to have successfully delivered the project on-time and in accordance to GM’s specifications.
We are eager to hear from you so that we may provide our expertise and resources based on your specific needs. We work hard to deliver real solutions in real time, no matter how big or small.
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