Basics of Battery Electrochemistry

• Petr Novak (Paul Scherrer Institut)

The very first module of the course will introduce the definitions and expressions relevant to the technical electrochemistry. Then, the basics of battery electro-chemistry will be discussed including both the thermo-dynamics (electrode potential, cell voltage) and the kinetics (ohmic, charge transfer, and concentration overpotentials). Finally, the application of this basic knowledge to porous electrodes will be shown.

Basics of Materials Science

• Maksym Kovalenko (Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry ETH Zürich)

This lecture will cover the structure, synthesis and characterization of materials used in rechargeable Li-ion batteries and in closely related battery technologies. First, the major intercalation-type cathode and anode materials will be addressed. Then the advantages and shortcomings of going to “nano” (down-sizing) and "smart engineering" of the electrode materials will be discussed. Finally, materials aspects of post-Li chemistries will be briefly reviewed

Characterization of Cell Components

• Claire Villevieille (Paul Scherrer Institute)

The goal of this lesson is to get insight into a battery during cycling using advanced characterization techniques and combining information from the bulk, the interface and the surface. We will thus review the characterization techniques existing through various examples looking at the cell components (electrodes, electrolytes, separators etc.).

Ageing and Safety of Cell

• Donat Adams (Reliability Science and Technology - Empa)

In this module we will study the different causes of aging of rechargeable batteries (SEI layer formation, electrode dissolution, etc.), and the influence of operational parameters (depth of discharge, temperature, current and current ripples) for the most important cell chemistries. The difference between the capacity fade due to calendar life vs. cycle life is addressed. Finally the contribution of each component to battery safety and the selection criteria for types of rechargeable batteries regarding the costs, safety and capacity fading is discussed in this lecture.

Physicochemical Modeling and Simulation

• Wolfgang Bessler (Electrical Energy Storage EES - Offenburg University of Applied Sciences)

Physicochemical models are being widely used to understand the properties of lithium-ion batteries, to support electrode and cell design, and to reduce development cost. This class includes a first overview of modeling approaches (Newman-type models, micro-structureresolved models, multi-scale models). Then governing processes and model equations, simulation software and implementation as well as challenge model parameterization will be discussed. The lecture closes with application examples: Lithium-ion battery lifetime prediction; Metal-air battery chemistry.

Battery Management System: Functions and Algorithms

• Florian Ringbeck (Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives - RWTH Aachen University)

Thermal Modelling and Management

• Gerhard Rizzo (Institute for the Development of Mechatronic Systems | University of Applied Sciences and Technology Buchs NTB)

Thermal management is a mayor issue, especially for lithium-ion batteries. Too high as well as too low temperatures causes accelerated degradation. In addition the temperature distribution inside a lithium-ion cell and between different cells of a battery system should be as homogeneous as possible. To achieve this requirements an adequate thermal management is needed, which has to be integrated into the super ordinate system.

Lithium Battery Design and Production

• Axel Fürst (BFH-CSEM Energy Storage Research Center)
• Pascal Häring (Head R&D - Renata AG)

The implementation of electro-chemical energy storage is demanding as some of the used materials are quite reactive. This lecture gives an insight of principal lithium battery design and production processes. In a second part, a closer look at the development process, from design to production release, will be taken.

Modelling Characterization and Tests on Battery Packs

• Olaf Böse (Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden- Württemberg ZSW)

Single cells are integrated to battery packs to increase voltage and/or current level. Extensive testing of battery packs is required to verify if the design values of battery packs are reached to fulfil requirements of customers, standards and legislations. Detailed descriptions of the current state-of-the-art testing routines with respect to electrical, mechanical, thermal and safety characteristics are presented with focus to automotive batteries based on Li-Ion cells.

Battery System Components

• Vezzini Adrea (BFH-CSEM Energy Storage Research Center)

For a complete battery system additional hardware is required. The battery management system (BMS) monitors the operating values (voltages, currents and temperatures) and protects the battery cells from being used outside their safe region. The hardware and software structure of such a BMS must meet certain requirements regarding low power consumption, safety critical behavior and accuracy. The current interrupting devices (CID) as well as fuses and current sensors should be carefully designed and their sizing depends on the application of the battery system.

BESS Technology for Public Transportation and Green Power Grid

• Timothy Patey (ABB Corporate Research)

This lesson begins with business cases for "new" applications. The technology of dimensioning and cooling lithium-ion batteries in electric buses, home energy storage, and sub-stations is discussed. A semi-empirical battery model will be introduced, followed by a discussion on the implications and limitations of this approach. Finally, a brief discussion on future electrochemical technologies will be held (time permitting).

Reliability and Safety

• Marcel Held (Reliability Science and Technology - Empa)

Reliability and safety are basic requirements for cells and battery systems, in addition to performance, life cycle costs and ecological considerations. The cost-effective design and operation of a battery is intimately related to the reliability and safety of its components. In this module the basic failure mechanism of cells and their effects are explained and illustrated. Safety features from cell to battery level, the influence of environmental and operational conditions, safety testing and analysis methods are presented in order to support the design of reliable and safe batteries.

Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Aspects

• Marcel Gauch (Technology and Society Lab - Empa)

It's commonly known that the environmental friendliness of electric mobility depends on the source of the electricity driving the vehicles. But how detrimental is the construction and use of the batteries used for mobility? Huge differences exist between public perception and the scientific facts in this instance. In this contribution research results using life cycle assessment methodologies will be presented.

Swiss Competence Centers for Energy Research Mobility and Storage of Heat and Electricity

• Andrea Vezzini (SCCER Mobility)
• Jörg Roth (SCCER HAe)

Batteries in Public Transportation

• Christian Köbel (Director Product Management Primove - Bombardier Transportation)

Battery life time is the major cost driver of e-mobility solutions today. By choosing the right battery size together with the right charging strategy, the optimum for the application can be found. But variations in the application parameters often define a different optimum in battery size in the eyes of the customers.

Storage for the Energy System

• Daniel Brand (BKW)

Control over flexibility, such as dispatchable power plants, demand side management, storage and (related) grid reinforcement, has always been a perequisite for utilities in In order to provide a stable and reliable energy supply. In the framework of the energy transition, the characteristics of energy production and consumption change dramatically, which calls for both, new concepts of control and integration of new types of storage. The BKW Technology Center assesses the potential of emerging technologies for future business and identifies the need for innovation.