An innovative Pulsed Laser Deposition process for next generation of Li-ion batteries

Project Information

Coldab

Grant agreement ID: 867482

DOI

10.3030/867482

Project closed

EC signature date 6 May 2019

Start date 1 June 2019

End date 30 September 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

PULSEDEON OY
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Coldab (An innovative Pulsed Laser Deposition process for next generation of Li-ion batteries)

Reporting period: 2019-06-01 to 2019-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Although the global number of EVs has been increasing since 2010, EVs still have only 1.4% of global vehicle market share. This is mostly due to the fact that the development in the battery industry has been rather incremental, without revolutionary breakthrough since 1991’s launch of the first commercial Lithium-Ion batteries (LiB) by Sony. The advancement and maturity of the battery directly influence the industrialization of EVs. Thus, the biggest challenge the EV market is facing today is related to the limitations of batteries. These are mainly related to insufficient performance, in terms of size, energy density and safety (EV batteries are very flammable), and to expensive battery production, as available deposition methods generally fail to meet the requirements necessary to scale up and automate the production and require fixed casting on each battery specification type.

Pulsedeon developed Coldab, a film coating process leveraging Ultra-Short Pulsed Laser Deposition (USPLD), that can optimize the production of LiB components on a large scale. Coldab’s unique PLD coating process allows cost-effective manufacturing of a new class of safer, smart tailored, high-performance EV batteries. Pulsedeon favors the competitiveness of European battery producers by offering a cutting-edge manufacturing process, and promotes a ‘clean environment’. In order to increase the EV’s affordability and improve their performance, Coldab brings EV’s battery manufacturing to a new level of scalability guaranteeing cost-effectiveness, at the same time preserving excellent performance by increasing the battery’s energy capacity and safety.

The objectives of the feasibility study were to evaluate the technical requirements for delivery of the improved and automated Coldab technology to the European market and to identify the optimum business model, market segments for initial roll out. Pulsedeon’s overall objective is become one of the world leading firms to produce next generation Lithium Batteries material and processing solutions

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Pulsedeon completed a full analysis of the technical and business potential of the Coldab technology and initially developed a detailed product development and validation plan for the European market based on impact factors. It was established that the best way to commercialise the Coldab technology was the the licensing model to retain the full control over the technology and its quality while ensuring the faster growth of the company, while considering opportunities for licensing arrangements, joint ventures, service models and process system deliveries.

Pulsedeon also analysed their current pipeline of potential customers and calculated detailed five-year financial projections should commercialization be achieved. Pulsedeon formulated a robust industrialisation strategy and addressed risks and regulations which could impede the process of bringing the improved Coldab technology to market. The necessary technical steps required to release a viable solution in the European market were analysed and a scale-up plan was outlined.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The expected outcome is to optimize Coldab deposition tool and its process as well as perform extensive validation tests such that market readiness will be achieved by the end of the Phase 2 project.
The customizability and scalability of Coldab’s process arrangement allows to easily meet manufacturers’ quantitative and qualitative demand, drastically reducing the production cost. This will ensure ultimate cost-effectiveness providing economic impact to customers, whilst retaining the exceptional power densities required for EVs, and increasing safety. The Coldab technology will allow user to increase their EV cars supply while providing a high-performance Electric Vehicle with safe batteries with increased life-cycle to consumers. This will enable the company’s vision of creating a cleaner global environment inline with European goals of total decarburization.

Coldab System