Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWSAutomated and scalable processes are used for the fabrication and assembly of prototype cells. Special solutions for the integration of new components (e.g. lithium metal anodes) are developed and enable the construction of application-relevant pouch cells for lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur and solid-state batteries. Modern test equipment allows the evaluation of performance data under various external conditions.
Fabrication Under Dry Air
A laser cutting system enables fully automated electrode cuts from the roll. By enclosing the system, moisture-sensitive materials can also be processed under dry air. A process innovation also enables the bead-free cutting of lithium anodes – previously a challenge in the production of lithium metal batteries. Laser cutting is part of a plant complex for the automated production of multilayer pouch cells.
Cell Construction
Fraunhofer IWS aims to transfer new material developments and innovative cell systems into multilayer pouch cells and to investigate them in an application-oriented manner. The basis is a flexible manufacturing chain and many years of experience in building prototype battery cells. Electrodes can be produced with conventional slot die technology or also with the Fraunhofer IWS DRYtraec® process. Thus, we offer customized solutions for the production of small series or test series in the context of pouch cell campaigns.
Cell Testing
Battery cells are evaluated according to application-specific test plans and under defined external influences. Temperature and cell pressure can be specifically adjusted and a special test setup allows thickness monitoring during cell operation. More than 300 channels are available for the tests.