Fraunhofer Research Facility for Battery Cell Production (FFB) and the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University have joined forces to develop a Sodium-ion Battery under the KOOP project. This initiative, in collaboration with the mixing technology developer hs-tumbler, aims to accelerate industrial-scale production of innovative battery technologies.
The German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space is funding this three-year project with the goal of expediting the industrialization of new production methods. The Sodium-ion Battery‘s development focuses on a hard carbon anode created using the trajectory mixing method. This technique has the potential to reduce energy consumption by over 50% compared to traditional mixing processes. Researchers plan to scale this method to an industrial production level while maintaining stringent quality control measures.
Streamlining the Scaling Process
KOOP emphasizes the elimination of delays that often hinder the transition from laboratory-scale production to industrial application. The project introduces a ‘highly cooperative scaling’ approach. This approach prioritizes efficient data and knowledge transfer between partners. By fostering a systematic exchange of personnel, data, and management, KOOP addresses common bottlenecks in medium technology readiness levels. According to Professor Achim Kampker, Director of the FFB Institute, this method aims to mitigate idle times typically spanning six months to years in similar projects.
Data Management for Efficient Collaboration
The KOOP project establishes a shared database to enhance collaboration between innovators and Fraunhofer FFB. This database ensures real-time access to product development and process data for involved stakeholders. “We are creating a platform for faster, safer data exchange,” explains Moritz Schaefer, a research associate at Fraunhofer FFB. Streamlined data sharing allows for quicker adjustments to production technologies and capacity planning.
Additionally, the KOOP team is designing a joint scaling and transfer strategy. Regular updates to this strategy enable early preparations for scaling, such as adapting plant infrastructure. This proactive approach significantly reduces the time required for industrial-scale deployment. According to PEM management member Heiner Heimes, KOOP serves as a model for efficient cooperation in battery research.
Advancing Sodium-ion Battery Production
Sodium-ion batteries are praised for their potential as an alternative to Lithium-ion technology. They benefit from abundant raw material availability and lower production costs. The KOOP project prioritizes the development of a sustainable, energy-efficient production process. Researchers foresee these batteries having applications in stationary energy storage and other sectors. Through innovative methods and rigorous collaboration, the KOOP project addresses industrial scalability challenges.
The partnership between Fraunhofer FFB, PEM, and hs-tumbler sets a new standard for collaboration. By focusing on cutting-edge methodologies, such as trajectory mixing, they pave the way for advancements in battery production. The KOOP project aims to accelerate the commercial adoption of sodium-ion technology and create a blueprint for future collaborative efforts.
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