Magazine

MORE SUSTAINABILITY IN ELECTROMOBILITY THROUGH APPLICATION OF NEW METHODS TO IMPROVE BATTERY SERVICE LIFE | In the Fraunhofer Attract project "ProLIBs: A Battery Cell ID Card", the service life of batteries for electric vehicles and other applications is predicted and improved. The new method for lifetime prediction is based on a combination of measurements of battery properties and models of battery cell behavior. These measurements can be made directly while a battery is in use, for example, in an electric car. By applying this method for more accurate lifetime prediction of high energy lithium ion battery cells and other cell types such as solid-state batteries in the battery management system (BMS), it is possible to achieve increased lifetime with optimal charge and discharge profiles.

ELECTROCHEMICAL RECOVERY OF CRITICAL RAW MATERIALS FROM WASTEWATER | The efficient recovery of critical raw materials from batteries and production waste is a major challenge for the modern battery industry. In the MeGaBat project, we are developing a sustainable, cost-effective, and low-emission technology for the electrochemical recovery of lithium, cobalt, and other critical raw materials from aqueous sources (wastewater) to solid production waste. Our goal: to establish a flexible, scalable process that advances the circular economy in the battery industry and contributes new concepts for the further development of urban mining.

SAFE AND POWERFUL SOLID-STATE BATTERIES BASED ON POLYMERS AND SULFIDES FOR ELECTRIC CARS, AIR TAXIS, MOBILE ROBOTS AND CO. | Solid-state batteries are an important building block for the electrification of mobility: They are safer and enable higher range and shorter charging times than conventional Li-Ion batteries. New cell concepts allow even higher energy densities. Fraunhofer IFAM is developing polymer and sulfide-based solid-state batteries for various electric mobility application areas. The research is oriented towards industrial battery production and ranges from development of new materials for solid electrolytes and battery components (electrodes and separators) to manufacturing process steps and cell assembly.

SUSTAINABLE AND EFFICIENT ROTOR BLADE MANUFACTURING WITH EMISSION-REDUCED SURFACE FORMATION PROCESSES | The manufacturing of large fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) structures for wind turbine rotor blades is a complex process. Until now, release agents have been used that not only require labor-intensive reworking, but also have critical health and environmental impacts. Residues of these release agents on the surfaces prevent direct paintability of the components, making a time-consuming post-orocessing e.g. a sanding process necessary. This process generates considerable amounts of critical grinding dust. In addition, accessibility is limited due to the dimensions of modern rotor blades, both onshore and offshore. Fraunhofer IFAM has developed an alternative solution: a transfer-free release film that does not require any release agents and thus enables clean surfaces that can be painted directly. Building on this, the research project NEOFOIL has been launched.

Fraunhofer IFAM has tested optical components in collaboration with the Japanese company Asahi Kasei. The Japanese company Asahi Kasei manufactures the specially developed WGFTM polarizing film, which withstands strong mechanical and thermal stresses. Additionally, this film has good and uniform transmission and reflection properties across the entire visible and infrared spectral range. In the latest development, this film has been incorporated into finished optical components such as camera filters and polarizing beam splitters.

With the UAS L USSP HB project, a prototype system for a future U Space Service Provider (USSP) is being developed in Bremen. As a central entity, the USSP enables the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into existing air traffic in accordance with EU Regulations 2019/945, 2019/947, and 2021/664. The goal of the project is to prepare the UAS Control Center Bremen for certification readiness.

COUNTERING DIFFUSION AND EMBRITTLEMENT IN THE STORAGE AND TRANSPORT OF HYDROGEN | Green hydrogen will play a decisive role in a successful energy transition. The development of new hydrogen technologies requires techniques and processes that enable the safe production, storage, distribution and use of hydrogen. Central material science challenges are the diffusion of hydrogen and the associated embrittlement of used material. The "Plasma Technology and Surfaces" department at Fraunhofer IFAM is researching how surfaces can be protected against this diffusion and embrittlement by treatment with plasmas or lasers. The focus is on internal coatings for tanks and pipes, but possible applications for electrolysers, bipolar plates, and fuel cells are also being investigated.

The aviation industry is undergoing change: Innovation cycles are becoming shorter, and production and manufacturing requirements regarding cost-effectiveness, emissions, and environmental sustainability are increasing. To meet these challenges, the aircraft components of the future must be more cost-effective, flexible, and environmentally friendly. The Fraunhofer IFAM supports this transformation in the "MORPHO" project. The goal: a quieter, more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable aviation industry of tomorrow. Using an aircraft turbine blade as an example, our researchers have demonstrated the potential of integrated sensors.

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