The Chair of ‘Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components’ (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University is working together with partners from research and industry as part of the new ‘SchnelleZelle’ (FastCell) project to optimise the fast-charging capability of prismatic lithium-ion batteries.
The aim of the three-year project, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, is to increase the performance of batteries by shortening charging times and increasing charging power “without compromising on safety and lifespan,” as the chair explains.
Even though some of the findings can certainly be applied to electric mobility, ‘SchnelleZelle’ focuses on a different area of application: the researchers are looking at the use of battery cells in stationary energy storage systems, “which are expected to play a crucial role in the energy transition,” the press release states. If such a stationary storage system is connected to a photovoltaic system, for example, the cells are generally not charged quickly. In other applications, however, such as in industry, power peaks may well occur – which then have to be absorbed by fast-charging cells in the storage system.
In addition to PEM, the consortium consists of the Fraunhofer Research Centre for Battery Cell Production FFB, the Institute for Power Electronics and Electrical Drives (ISEA) at RWTH Aachen University, Mahle Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Hoerbiger Antriebstechnik Holding GmbH and Flexoo GmbH. Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH is also involved as an associated partner.
According to the research teams, ‘SchnelleZelle’ pursues a “holistic approach from initial development all the way through to cell integration.” The aim is thus not just to make improvements in one specific area, but to achieve innovations “in cell design, electrode interconnection, sensor integration, and the development of improved cooling and control strategies.” According to the project partners, they are aiming to increase the charging rate by several per cent in the ‘State of Charge’ (SOC) range of ten to 80 per cent – the announcement is not more specific at this point. However, the project page states that one objective is a “16-percent improvement in fast-charging capability.”
Other aspects are explained in more detail. By integrating location-resolving sensors into the battery cells and using machine learning algorithms, charging processes are to be optimised and adapted to individual battery conditions. In addition, an improvement in the electrode stack connection to the cell housing should ensure that the internal cell resistance is minimised, thereby improving thermal stability.
At the end of the research project, not only will individual prototype cells be produced (at the Fraunhofer FFB), but these cells will also be tested in a cell network – and then “used in the battery industry.”
“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,” says PEM Director Professor Achim Kampker. “This can be achieved by integrating sensors into the cells and with the help of innovative approaches to cell design, cooling, and charging algorithms,” adds PEM management member Professor Heiner Heimes.
‘SchnelleZelle’ officially started on 1 December 2024 and will run until 31 November 2027.
