SafeION
The SafeION project focuses on enhancing stationary energy storage systems (ESS) for a CO2-neutral society. It extends the life of Li-ion batteries through second-life applications and explores Na-ion batteries. It also targets the early detection system using a functional polymer that releases tracer gas when temperatures exceed safe limits, alongside glass fiber-based gas sensors. This system detects early failures, enabling quick preventions and avoiding hazardous gas buildup in the ESS.
Project Partners
- Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, Coordinator
- Kite Rise Technologies GmbH
- Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
- UnravelTEC OG
- Institute of Electrical Measurement and Sensor Systems - Technical University of Graz
Motivation and Goals
One of our major and urgent tasks is climate protection and the transition to a CO2-neutral society. An important building block on this path are stationary energy storage systems (Energy Storage System: ESS). The production of Li-ion based ESS requires raw materials which are mostly imported into the EU. In order to anticipate resource scarcity, we must make the best use of raw materials. The SafeION project investigates the extension of the service life of automotive Li-ion storage through 2nd-life in stationary applications as well as the alternative Na-ion batteries, which are based on regionally available raw materials and do not require Li, Ni, Co and Cu.
Battery ESS is a young technology with little experience. Small failures inside ESS can spread and, in the worst case, cause fires. Due to their novelty, these are heavily illuminated by the media and thus cause a high degree of uncertainty among potential users.
The focus of SafeION is therefore on the development of novel sensor concepts for the early detection of failures in the ESS and the development of adapted safety concepts for 2nd-life Li-ion and Na-ion based ESS.
SafeION is developing a novel early detection system consisting of a functional polymer that releases tracer gas in the event of excess temperature and distributed glass fiber-based gas sensors.
The safety concept allows early failure detection, quick countermeasures and interruption of the failure-chain and local isolation of the failure. In particular, this prevents the accumulation of combustible and hazardous gas in the ESS.
Main Goals
- Safety characterization of 2nd-life Li-Ion cells and fresh Na-Ion cells
- Development of functional polymer that indicates excess temperature through tracer gas release and color change
- CFD simulation framework for tracer gas and electrolyte vapor flow in the ESS
- Light fiber-based sensors for detection of tracer gas and electrolyte vapor
- Demonstrators of the early detection system
- Safety concept 2nd-life ESS and 2st-life Na-Ion Safety assessment of second-life Li-Ion cells and new Na-Ion cells
Objectives and Approach
- Analysis of batteries in case of failure. Characterization of electrolyte vapor diffusion and tracer diffusion of functional polymers. Verification of enhanced safety functions.
- Creation of a concept for ESS that ensures maximum protection for people and facilities.
- Safety concept with reuse of safety mechanisms from 1st-life. Derivation of requirements from 1st-life and necessary modifications when transitioning to 2nd-life.
- Development of functional polymer coatings that release traceable gases. Implementation of self-healing functions to increase long-term reliability.
- Development of alternative sensors for simple, distributed long-term monitoring. Development of a sensor system based on optical fibers or integrated waveguides.
- Development and construction of test bench sensor electronics for the partners.
- Simulation and optimization framework for tracer gases and electrolyte vapors to evaluate various safety concepts through simulation.
“With the SafeION project we enhance the safety of stationary batteries, reducing the risk of accidents. The expertise of the project partners on this field together with the development of smart polymers makes SafeION an exciting project with great potential for future applications.”
Funding Body
The research project is funded by the Climate and Energy Fund (Energieforschung 8. Ausschreibung, FO999896708) represented by the FFG as funding body.
