OrtOptZelle – Localised compression of pouch battery cells for lifetime extension

Project Objective:

The goal is to implement non-destructive methods for the characterization of battery cells, and thus to identify defects in the battery cell more precisely and at an early stage. The characterization methods can be done during the formation or on a defective battery cell. We will specifically measure the expansion of cells and the temperature distribution on the surface of pouch cells during their loading and unloading. The expansion of the cell will be correlated to its aging process. An ideal compression will be modeled with the aim of slowing down the aging process.

Work planning:

The measuring devices are adapted for the characterization of pouch battery cells. The battery cells are cycled and the expansion and temperature distribution are in situ and contactless measured. The measurement of the degradation of the battery cell is carried out by post-mortem analysis. The project partner models an ideal compression for slowing the battery cell degradation. By applying the calculated compression, the battery cell is cycled and the life time of the battery cell is verified.

Planned result utilization:

With a better understanding of the correlation between the expansion of pouch battery cells during their operation and their aging, longer life can be achieved by applying constant targeted compression to the battery cell.