Powerful electrochemical energy storage systems are of great importance for applications in electromobility and stationary energy storage. Herefor, the improvement of gravimetric and volumetric energy density as well as the reduction of production costs are decisive. Only a deeper understanding of the processes involved in manufacturing LIB will enable producing improved and more cost-effective battery cells.

Therefore, the research activities of the Department Battery Production focus on the production of innovative battery cells. The core of the work is process development and the optimization of all processes within battery production. From mixing the electrode raw materials to the first charging and discharging cycles of the cells, all steps are carried out in-house at the iwb's research production line. Occupational safety is always in the foreground here. The iwb's industry-related research also ensures that the highest safety standards are maintained along the entire process chain. The cell portfolio comprises various cell types (coin cells, pouch cells, and hard case cells) with capacities ranging from a few mAh to over 20 Ah. For this purpose, iwb offers industry-oriented plant technology that can be flexibly adapted to the most diverse requirements.

In addition to the various materials of conventional lithium-ion batteries, the group also researches on solid-state batteries and the use of metallic lithium, as well as silicon composite anodes for the next-generation of lithium based battery technology.

Head of Department: Sophie Grabmann

The research field cell production and quality is intensively concerned with cell assembly and the characterization of large-format battery cells. At iwb, research is carried out in the following process steps: electrode cutting (laser cutting and punching), automated stack formation, contacting, packaging, electrolyte filling, sealing and forming. The various influences of the individual process parameters on the finished battery cell are investigated in detail and the parameters are adapted specifically to the materials used and the requirements of the cell. In order to guarantee high productivity, good quality and low costs along the process chain, wb relies on innovative quality assurance methods and data-based process monitoring. Within the individual processes, various inline quality assurance measures ensure compliance with the required specifications. After each process step, the intermediate product also undergoes various quality controls before it is transferred to the next processing process. This ensures a constant, very high quality of the produced cells.
 

Research Field Leader: Alessandro Sommer

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