Walter Cistjakov

Who are you and what is your research topic?        
My name is Walter Cistjakov and I am working at the Institute of Energy and System Process Engineering of TU Braunschweig as a research assistant. In collaboration with other institutes, from the Battery LabFactory Braunschweig, we are researching battery systems and their production. My research work consists of providing a deep insight into the electrochemical processes of battery cells using mathematical models and simulations to optimize the performance of battery cells.

Which research question are you working on?
Currently I am creating mathematical models to describe the physical processes in lithium-sulfur solid state batteries. This involves programming chemical and electrochemical reactions during the discharge of the battery cell using mathematical equations. This enables me to model the behavior of these battery cells and to identify the limitations of their performance.

What inspires you about your research?
What fascinates me about this topic is the combination of physical and chemical correlations and the programming of these equations with the computer.

Why is your topic relevant for future aviation?
The energy transformation in aviation is an important step towards reducing CO₂ emissions. Electric drives and the battery for aircraft represent a particularly environmentally friendly and sustainable candidate for this. Lithium-sulfur solid state batteries are particularly suitable for use in aviation due to their low weight and high safety.

What is special about participating in the interdisciplinary research network SE²A?
The combination of the numerous different specialist areas allows me to look beyond my own nose. This collaboration allows me to see the building block of my own research in the whole system of aviation.