The Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, the Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University, technology consultancy Capgemini, and engineering service provider PEM Motion have published the results of a recent study on the potential of process simulation in battery cell production.
Faster scaling to industrial scale
The corresponding white paper “Quality Excellence in Battery Cell Production: The Power of Process Simulation” demonstrates the advantages using the example of electrode drying. The aim was to map the physical processes involved in drying electrodes in a multi-physical CFD model and to parameterize and validate them with the help of experimental data. The authors claim that the simulation enables a deeper understanding of heat and mass transfer processes and opens up new ways of both reducing production waste and scaling up more quickly from pilot scale to gigafactory scale.
Multi-million-euro cost reduction
According to the study, development times can be reduced by up to 50 percent through the targeted use of process simulation, whereas long-term reject rates can be cut by up to three percent. With an annual production capacity of 50 gigawatt-hours, this would enable savings of up to 138 million euros per year. The authors of the study claim that, in addition to the scientific added value, the results also demonstrate the industrial relevance of digital tools in battery production and provide a blueprint for future simulation projects along the entire process chain.
Free download available
The white paper was developed in close collaboration between industry and research and is regarded as proof of the central importance of interdisciplinary partnerships for the technological development of European battery cell production. The study is available as a free download.
