Energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important in the fields of consumer electronics, mobile communication devices, hybrid and electric vehicles, and for storing electrical energy in grids (including home storage systems) with a high proportion of renewable energy. In general, an energy storage system refers to an energy technology device that involves the three processes of input, storage, and output. The three processes can be integrated in a single step or carried out separately through different processes (conversions).
The components involved in energy storage at different system levels (material, component, or assembly level) must meet a variety of complex requirements. In addition to the usual challenges of energy storage (energy content, service life, and costs), there are also application-specific requirements. Here, it is important to derive relevant physical and functional system relationships in an interdisciplinary context in order to develop sustainable solutions and minimize development times with the help of holistic, methodical approaches (such as model-based system engineering).
The Energy Storage Systems (ESS) working group develops strategies, methods, and tools to support the development process of energy storage systems and translates them into practical applications. The focus is primarily on the description and modeling of holistic systems (systems engineering) and their use across all life cycles (recycling).
In this context, the working group deals with design methodology issues at various levels of the value chain. These range, for example, from the structural design of the battery cell (including FEM, safety modeling) to the development of optimized module and pack architectures and the integration of entire systems into the vehicle. Among other things, the focus is on safety considerations using predictive simulation techniques (e.g., multiphysics modeling of thermal runaways). This makes it possible to model operating behavior (life cycle-oriented) and misuse scenarios (e.g., crashes) and to map aging behavior. With regard to avoiding “open loops” in the material cycle and reducing environmental impacts, cycle-oriented design approaches are applied and recycling options for energy storage are determined.
The Institute for Engineering Design has extensive computer-aided modeling and simulation facilities. In addition, the affiliated workshop area and various additive manufacturing facilities can be used to produce test equipment and functional prototypes.
As an active member of the Battery Labfactory Braunschweig (BLB), the institute has access to the existing infrastructure of the battery production facility (pilot line for pouch cells and cylindrical cells). This covers the entire value chain, from material, electrode, and cell production to recycling. The Lower Saxony Vehicle Research Center (NFF) provides an important interface for the application-specific implementation and integration of energy storage systems in mobile applications.
In addition to their use in research and industrial projects, the facilities are also used for teaching and student training. Students at the Technical University of Braunschweig are offered consultation hours (by appointment) to learn about the potential of electromobility and energy storage development. In addition, there is the possibility of supervising student theses for bachelor's and master's degree programs.
The Institute of Engineering Design has been working closely with its partners at BatteryLab Factory Braunschweig (member since 2008) for many years to conduct interdisciplinary, cross-institute research into more sustainable energy storage systems with a focus on lithium-ion technology. As a founding member of the Lower Saxony Research Center for Vehicle Technology (NFF), we form the interface between energy storage and the vehicle.
In addition to application-oriented bilateral industry projects and publicly funded research projects, we also address fundamental issues. We welcome project inquiries or exchanges of ideas in the above-mentioned research areas and related topics and are open to cooperation.
All members of the working group can be found at the following Link.