PEM to Optimize Fast-Charging Capability of SESS Batteries - Batteries News

PEM to Optimize Fast-Charging Capability of SESS Batteries

Together with leading partners from research and industry, the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University is aiming to optimize the fast-charging capability of prismatic lithium-ion batteries. The aim of the new, three-year “SchnelleZelle” project, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, is to expand the performance of batteries by reducing charging times and increasing charging power without compromising on safety and lifespan.

The improvement of fast-charging capability in lithium-ion technology is a dominant topic in both research and industry.

The project’s focus is on future applications in the field of stationary energy storage systems (SESS), which are expected to play a crucial role in the energy transition.

PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker, says :

The improvement of fast-charging capability in lithium-ion technology is a dominant topic in both research and industry and can be tackled separately or in combination with the help of various levers,

PEM management member Professor Heiner Heimes, adds :

This can be achieved by integrating sensors into the cells and with the help of innovative approaches to cell design, cooling, and charging algorithms,

Immediate evaluation of design adjustments

A holistic approach from initial development all the way through to cell integration is expected to yield the targeted innovations in cell design, electrode interconnection, sensor integration, and the development of improved cooling and control strategies. The project partners aim to increase the charging rate by several percent in the State of Charge (SOC) range of ten to 80 percent, with a model-based approach to enable immediate evaluation of design adjustments.

Cells to be used in the battery industry

By integrating location-resolving sensors into the battery cells and using machine learning algorithms, charging processes are to be optimized and adapted to individual battery conditions. Furthermore, the internal resistance is to be minimized and thus the thermal stability improved by an optimized connection of the electrode stack to the cell housing. The results are to be implemented as prototypes in the form of both individual cells and cell networks. Following a suitability test, the cells are intended to be used in the battery industry.

In addition to PEM, the project partners include the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB), the Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA) of RWTH Aachen University, MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG, HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik Holding GmbH, and FLEXOO GmbH. Furthermore, TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH is involved as an associated partner.

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