From lithium-ion to sodium-ion: New ‘HeimHei’ research project launched
With the conclusion of the SUVEREN2use research project, an intensive chapter for FOGTEC centred on the safety of lithium-ion batteries has come to an end. Key areas of focus included fire behaviour, off-gas detection and fire suppression. Attention is now turning to another battery technology: sodium-ion batteries. In the new ‘HeimHei’ research project, FOGTEC is working with partners from research and industry to investigate the safety requirements for their use in stationary energy storage systems.
Alternative battery technology for stationary storage
Sodium-ion batteries are regarded as a possible alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary applications. The project information describes them as potentially safer and more environmentally friendly. Should mass production commence in the future, they could also become more cost-effective. However, they are not yet commercially produced or used in stationary energy storage systems in Europe.
The issue of security, in particular, deserves closer consideration: Whilst the temperatures at which thermal runaway begins are often higher than in nickel-rich lithium-ion cells, this does not automatically mean that sodium-ion batteries are inherently safe. A key question for the project is therefore whether existing validation and abuse tests from the field of lithium-ion batteries can be applied, or whether new test procedures are required.
FOGTEC is responsible for the safety system
In this research project, FOGTEC is responsible for the entire safety system. This includes off-gas detection, explosion protection and fire suppression. The experience gained from SUVEREN and SUVEREN2use forms an important basis for this.
Collaborative research
‘HeimHei’ is coordinated by the ‘Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components’ (PEM) research group at RWTH Aachen University. The consortium also includes Digital Additive Production (DAP) at RWTH Aachen, the Fraunhofer Institute for Battery Cell Research and Production (FFB), SCIO Technology GmbH and FOGTEC.
The joint project got underway with the kick-off event at RWTH Aachen University. For FOGTEC, ‘HeimHei’ thus builds directly on its previous research activities into battery safety – with a new cell chemistry and new questions regarding detection, protection and fire suppression.
