Project description
New printing technology for transport sector battery systems
In the European context of ecological transition, the storage of electrical energy is central, especially in the mobility sector. While research and development of new electric batteries have focused on new chemistries and cells, it is crucial to work on more efficient, safer battery systems with eco-conscious designs for end-of-life sustainability. The EU-funded VERSAPRINT project focuses on innovative technological building blocks for battery systems. Using 3D printing techniques, these blocks aim towards improving thermal management and enabling anomaly detection at the cell level. Moreover, they will enhance the multifunctionality of current collectors and guide the design of eco-friendly module casings for recyclability while improving system reactivity to unforeseen events. These developments are complemented by a decision-making tool for adapting the technological blocks to specific final applications.
Objective
In order to boost the transition to a climate neutral transport sector, VERSAPRINT will bring innovations to the battery system to tackle safety issues, enhance performances as well as decrease cost and environmental impact. The VERSAPRINT technical solutions will be achieved mainly by 2D/3D printing directly on battery components and will operate from the heart of the battery system (i) providing an efficient cell thermal regulation in order to reduce risk of Thermal Runaway (TR) and increase density and lifetime; (ii) significantly improving the system thermal and safety management thanks to in operando sensoring; (iii) adding thermal and safety-oriented functionalities on busbars; (iv) allowing easy and safe dismantling and re-manufacturing; (v) lowering the casing’s weight, without losing its capability to contain TR and while ensuring good recycling rate; (vi) providing an advanced thermal/fire response; and (vii) controlling the exhaust gases released during a TR by cooling and evacuating them safely.
VERSAPRINT will also implement a Decision Tool in order to choose the most optimised configuration for a given end application and will provide a validation at TRL5 (i) at module level with two module prototypes (for automotive and aeronautics) as well as one virtual module prototype (for waterway transport); (ii) at system level through simulation for all these applications. Other applications such as bus, non-road mobile machinery and stationary storage will be explored as well, through simulation.
VERSAPRINT aims to reach the cost and performances targeted in Batteries Europe 2030 KPIs, while increasing module density by 5% and significantly improving the battery system fire resistance and safety (no fire outside module during TR). Sustainability will be assessed at all development stages.
The multi-disciplinary consortium gathers 3 RTO/academic partners and 7 industrial partners (4 IND and 3 SMEs), and is completed by 12 industrial Advisory Board members.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processesrecycling
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaeronautical engineering
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineeringadditive manufacturing
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
75015 PARIS 15
France