|
GIGABAT is proud to launch its official Newsletter!
It is the first of a series of newsletters which will accompany you throughout the project development, and will keep you updated and informed about GIGABAT's latest achievements.
First of all, a few words about GIGABAT, a EU-funded project whose mission is clear: to lead the charge in developing Sustainable and Digitalized GIGAfactories for BAttery production, utilizing cutting-edge machinery made right here in Europe.
About GIGABAT's history so far:
After setting the groundwork and getting to know the great GIGABAT team last July 2023 in the Kick-off Meeting in San Sebastian, hosted by the project coordinator CIDETEC Energy Storage, the first six months were especially focused on defining a comprehensive set of KPIs for European Gigafactories, in order to pave the way for the development of the technical tasks envisioned within the project, covering the whole value battery value chain.
Last January 2024, GIGABAT celebrated the first General Assembly at COMAU headquarters, initiating dynamic discussions and interactive, captivating sessions among the different WPs.
During this meeting, CIDETEC Energy Storage discussed updates on their initial project efforts focusing in optimizing the battery materials mixing operation through the research of new mixing protocols and processes, improving coating drying thorough the synergetic use of IR and convection drying and implementing the virtual integration of an upgraded calendering machine.
A roll-to-roll drying machine at TU Braunschweig was modified for the upcoming infrared-assisted convective post-drying trials. TU Braunschweig, PowerCo and CIDETEC manufactured the electrodes for these trials, and Excelitas Noblelight provided 4 different infrared emitters. Determination of the post-drying process parameters and analytical tests are carried out by TU Braunschweig and together with the industrial know-how of PowerCo SE and Excelitas Noblelight, the results of the trials form the basis for Jagenberg Converting Solutions’ calculation, simulation and design of a roll-to-roll post-drying machine with combined infrared and convective drying.
Another GIGABAT's objective is to develop new technologies regarding the cell-assembly and the cell formation. The automation experience of Manz combined with the knowledge of a cell-maker like Verkor and of a research centre like CIDETEC Energy Storage will give birth to a deep study regarding the mechanical and laser electrode cutting. Manz will deeply focus on a novel solution for the cell-assembly and COMAU will develop novel systems for an energy-saving cell-formation. Finally, CIDETEC will lead the task regarding how to improve the cell-filling, which is going to start this summer.
The work package related to storage and recycling , under the leadership of TU Braunschweig, addresses two primary objectives: the development of logistics and material flow, and the direct recycling of Li-ion battery production scrap. Characterization of the battery raw materials in powder form, including the anode grade Si nanoparticles provided by Ferroglobe, are carried out by Zeppelin and TU Braunschweig. After lab-scale investigations into various direct recycling methods for Li-ion battery production scrap (TU Braunschweig), the most promising method will proceed to pilot-scale evaluation by Netzsch, ultimately aiming to design a scrap recycling plant for Gigafactories.
IZERTIS presented the defined requirements in regards of overall production digitalization. The current approach regarding the digitalization of cell production were discussed together with the following steps for performing the task related to AI-based optimization and formation step. Challenges and bottlenecks were also stressed as this work package applies in a holistic manner to the future gigafactory related processes.
The work related to environmental assessment led by RISE has until now focused on preparing the deliverables on sustainable raw materials supply chain and screening LCA, with results to be used throughout the project for sourcing and design work. The screening LCA results will also serve as a basis for an idea generation workshop during the next GA meeting in Stockholm. In parallel, a framework for evaluating the absolute sustainability of battery gigafactories has been initiated and developed.
Much more will come: GIGABAT partners will meet for the third Periodic Meeting at the end of June.
Stay updated about all GIGABAT's achievements and next steps by following the social media channels. |
