Automotive and Aerospace Aug 15, 2016 1:39 PM
The formation of the future: thyssenkrupp and other partners launch collaborative project EffiForm for better lithium-ion batteries
Electric cars are still a rarity on our roads. The high cost of battery cells continues to be a major stumbling block to improving the cost-efficiency and popularity of e-mobility. Roughly a third of battery production costs are currently accounted for by the final step in the manufacturing process – the application of the initial charge, known as formation, which is key to the performance, durability and safety of battery cells.
Under the collaborative project “EffiForm - Efficient formation strategies for increased durability, reliability and safety as well as cost reduction in the production of lithium-ion cells/batteries” launched in early 2016, thyssenkrupp System Engineering is partnering with VARTA Microbattery GmbH, BMW Group, Scienlab electronic systems GmbH, Fraunhofer IKTS, the Technical University of Munich and the MEET battery research center of Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster to study the formation process in detail. The aim is to optimize the material, process and systems technologies used in the initial charging (formation) of lithium-ion cells for industrial applications. The “EffiForm” project is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of its program “Battery 2020 – battery materials for future electro-mobile and stationary applications”.
Over the three-year project period, thyssenkrupp as a supplier of formation systems will focus on creating the basis for efficient and innovative industrial-scale formation. This will be a key step in translating the project findings into cutting-edge formation systems for the mass production of lithium-ion cells. In the future this will reduce the production costs of li-ion battery systems and support the spread of e-mobility. Lower costs could also make li-ion technology attractive for other applications, such as home storage systems.
About thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions:
The thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions business area is a leading partner for the engineering, construction and service of all industrial plants and systems. In addition to chemical, coke, cement and other industrial plants and refineries, our portfolio also includes mining, ore processing and port handling equipment along with corresponding services. In the naval sector we are a leading global system supplier for submarines and surface vessels. As an important system partner to our customers in the automotive, aerospace and battery industries we optimize the value chain and improve performance. In collaboration with our customers we develop top-quality solutions and deliver efficiency, reliability and sustainability over the entire life cycle. Around 19,000 employees at over 70 locations form a global network with a technology portfolio that guarantees maximum productivity and cost-efficiency.