Article published BATTERY PROTOTYPING
Customised production for specific applications
The Battery Prototyping platform finds the best match between technology and application for optimum battery performance. The objective is to produce small series of innovative Li-ion batteries for the electric mobility market, as well as for certain medical and space applications.
Last June, CEA LITEN opened a new prototyping platform designed to manufacture small series of batteries, from the material synthesis stage right through to assembly. The platform is the only one of its kind in Europe. The goal is the customised production of microscopic, innovative Li-ion batteries for specific applications (space sector, aeronautics, medicine, smart labels) and "100 Ah cells for defence, solar energy and electric mobility applications. The ambition of the fifty or so research scientists involved is to optimise battery performance by matching the technology to the planned application and to make computer models of electrochemical phenomena. One of the partners, Prollion, a start-up created by CEA, is responsible for industrialising some Li-ion battery technology and battery packs for niche markets and pre-production runs. Under the French Environment Round Table initiative, it also works in collaboration with Michelin on a project called ForeWheel. The aim is to confirm the advantages offered by the Active Wheel in electric vehicles driven by “in-wheel motors” that incorporate brake, suspension, drive and steering functions. Development of Li-ion (iron phosphate type) battery packs is underway. EILisup, another project, this time in association with IrisBus, is aimed at developing a hybrid and electric bus, equipped with a battery that is recharged at the end of the line using catenary technology. Here, too, the platform is developing a high-power, fast-recharge battery pack. At the same time, research is being carried out on printed batteries for clothing and intelligent paper, as well as on a number of integrated applications for the aeronautics and photovoltaic markets. In 2010, the platform, which includes an anhydrous room, will be extended from 130 m2 to nearly 350 m2.
