The Fraunhofer Institute for Battery Cell Production FFB has launched the three-year TRAICELL project in collaboration with several research and industry partners. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the initiative aims to enhance battery cell production through the traceability of critical data and the application of artificial intelligence.
Professor Achim Kampker, Director of PEM at Fraunhofer FFB, highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “Innovative solutions – including those from digitalized battery cell production – must be transferred from research to industry more quickly. In the future, reliable quality predictions during the forming process will be essential to reduce production times and identify defects early.”
TRAICELL focuses on three main objectives to promote sustainable battery production:
- Data Traceability: Developing a system to track production and quality data down to individual electrode layers, ensuring detailed monitoring and control throughout the manufacturing process.
- Process Optimization: Enhancing efficiency and quality by simultaneously optimizing mixing and coating processes, which are critical steps in battery cell production.
- Quality Prediction: Utilizing machine learning models to predict cell quality in the early stages of production, aiming to minimize waste and improve material yield.
The project consortium includes UniverCell, a German electrode and cell manufacturer, BST, a provider of quality assurance systems, and Merantix Momentum, an AI development firm. Together, these partners will develop and test innovations across various scales, from pilot phases to near-series production, ensuring that the advancements can be effectively integrated into existing manufacturing processes.
By focusing on these areas, TRAICELL seeks to improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of battery cell production, positioning Germany as a leader in advanced battery technology. The project’s outcomes are expected to contribute significantly to the electric vehicle and energy storage markets by providing higher quality and more reliable battery cells.
Source: Fraunhofer FFB
