Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Increasing the efficiency, sustainability and lifecycles of battery systems through advanced module-level power electronics

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SMART BATTERY (Increasing the efficiency, sustainability and lifecycles of battery systems through advanced module-level power electronics)

Reporting period: 2022-05-01 to 2023-04-30

In the dawn of the 21st century, we stand amidst an urgent and global shift towards sustainable energy solutions. However, a critical hurdle in achieving this goal lies in the efficient storage and reliable use of renewable energy. At the core of this challenge is the need to repurpose and extend the lifecycle of batteries, whose production is resource-intensive and impacts the environment significantly. STABL Energy has positioned itself within this vital nexus, leveraging its proprietary power electronics technology to breathe new life into used batteries and propel a paradigm shift in sustainable energy storage.

The primary objective of our project is to innovate around second-life batteries. This innovation involves extending the safety, longevity, and maintainability of these batteries with our proprietary power electronics and advanced battery analytics. By reutilizing spent batteries from electric vehicles, STABL Energy aims to create an efficient, economical, and ecologically friendly solution to energy storage and management problems. This approach enables predictive maintenance & fail-operability, thereby substantially reducing operational interruptions and costs. Moreover, it allows us to optimize the battery usage, further enhancing their lifespan and safe performance.

By executing our project, we expect to contribute substantially to the broader strategic agenda of transitioning towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy in Europe. We aim to address the specific need for efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy storage solutions - a critical element in the broader renewable energy infrastructure. Furthermore, by reducing waste and encouraging the reuse of batteries, our initiative contributes to a circular economy model, emphasizing sustainability and resource efficiency.

Our efforts are projected to reduce the environmental footprint associated with battery production significantly, as well as support the growth and resilience of the renewable energy sector. In addition, our technology can bring about significant cost savings for industries reliant on battery storage, and can be pivotal in meeting the increasing demand for energy storage solutions in the digital age. By setting the stage for the effective reuse of batteries, our project encapsulates a transformative idea whose time has come. It is not just an energy project; it is a stepping-stone towards a sustainable, economically viable, and resilient future.
Improved Power Electronics: The technical team at STABL Energy has executed multiple iterations on our power electronics, resulting in enhanced reliability and suitability for industrialization. The improved power electronics represent a critical step forward in our ability to interface effectively with second-life batteries. The upgrades have made these units more resilient to varying operating conditions and more efficient in their function, significantly contributing to the overall robustness of our battery management systems.

Ease of Use for Second-Life Batteries: STABL Energy has developed a comprehensive approach to simplifying the use of second-life batteries. This process involved creating a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS) and designing a unique mechanical housing concept. Our self-developed BMS efficiently monitors and manages battery operation, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The custom-designed mechanical housing ensures the batteries' safety and ease of installation. We have built prototypes demonstrating this concept's effectiveness, presenting a tangible solution to effectively integrate second-life batteries into various applications.

Secure Data Gathering and Analysis: The collection, transmission, and analysis of measurement data are a key element of our project. STABL Energy's technology securely sends operational data from batteries to a cloud-based platform. This process enables the tracking of battery performance in real-time and supports the identification of potential issues before they escalate into serious problems. Furthermore, the system generates alerts if safety limits are reached, adding an extra layer of security and predictability to the battery's operation.
STABL Energy's pioneering work in second-life batteries, particularly regarding power electronics and ease of integration, has already yielded promising results. Our innovative solutions have the potential to significantly reduce waste, extend the lifespan of batteries, and improve the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy storage systems.

Despite these promising advancements, certain challenges must be addressed to ensure further uptake and successful implementation of our project. A significant barrier is the extensive bureaucracy involved in gaining approval to connect battery storage systems to the grid (at least in Germany - where we operate). The process often exceeds six months, delaying the deployment of energy storage solutions and posing a hurdle to timely market access.

Furthermore, current market conditions pose difficulties in securing financing and investment, thereby hindering the acceleration and expansion of our project. Securing funding is crucial for continual research, demonstration of our technology's effectiveness, and its ultimate commercialization.

Lastly, acquiring second-life batteries and their technical data involves complicated negotiations, slowing the rate at which our solutions can be implemented. This issue underscores the need for a supportive regulatory and standardization framework that facilitates the use of second-life batteries.
My booklet 0 0