Hybrid storage systems and storage solutions: Battery aging - The path to longer-lasting energy systems and reliable forecasts

📡 The constant pursuit of improvements in energy storage technology has led to fascinating innovations, including hybrid storage systems. These pioneering systems combine different storage technologies to compensate for the disadvantages of each technology and make optimal use of their advantages. An outstanding example is the coupling of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE, in collaboration with Skeleton Technologies and AVL, has made significant advances in battery aging prediction technology as part of the “SukoBa” research project, which could revolutionize the application of hybrid storage systems.

🔋 The synergy of lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors

A hybrid storage system that integrates both lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors leverages the strengths of both technologies while mitigating their weaknesses. Supercapacitors are able to absorb and release large amounts of energy in an extremely short period of time. However, this rapidity of the charging and discharging process does not lead to significant aging because the current strengths are not limited by the electrochemical processes, but by physical storage capacities. In contrast, supercapacitors have low energy density, meaning they cannot store much energy at once.

Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, offer high energy density and can therefore store large amounts of energy, but they are sensitive to high current peaks, which can lead to increased wear and a shortened lifespan. These batteries are therefore not suitable for applications in which frequent and intensive load changes occur, such as in electric vehicles or construction machinery. This is where supercapacitors come into play. They can absorb load peaks without putting a strain on the battery, resulting in even and gentler use of the battery.

🔎 The research project SukoBa and BaSiS

In the “SukoBa” project, a simulation environment called BaSiS – Battery Simulation Studio – was developed, which aims to optimize the interaction in hybrid storage systems. At the heart of this technology is a degradation model that provides precise predictions about the aging of batteries when operated together with supercapacitors. Thanks to the BaSiS software, researchers and engineers can now run through various configurations and operating scenarios and analyze their effects on battery aging.

BaSiS helps to adjust the battery operating conditions and control algorithms to achieve maximum service life at minimum cost. This flexibility is particularly valuable as it allows new trends and technologies in battery and supercapacitor research to be quickly integrated and tested.

💡 Advantages of hybrid storage systems in practice

Hybrid storage systems offer a variety of benefits that go far beyond the basic technical aspects. They enable more efficient use of energy in electric vehicles, construction machinery and stationary energy storage. A key advantage is the extended battery life. By relieving peak loads, heat stress in the battery is reduced, resulting in less wear and tear and therefore longer operating life. This in turn reduces overall costs as replacement batteries need to be purchased and installed less frequently.

Another advantage is improved performance. Supercapacitors can absorb load changes more quickly, resulting in better responsiveness of the entire system. This is particularly important in situations where high and fast current levels are required, for example when starting electric motors or recovering braking energy (recuperation).

🌍 The economic and ecological importance

Technologies to improve battery aging and efficiency of hybrid storage systems also have significant economic and environmental impacts. Extending the lifespan of batteries reduces costs, leading to wider acceptance and application of these technologies. In addition, batteries play a central role in the energy transition towards renewable energies. More efficient and longer-lasting energy storage systems help smooth out fluctuations in energy supply, which is crucial for integrating wind and solar energy into the power grid.

From an environmental perspective, a longer battery life also means a reduction in waste generation and environmental impact from battery production and disposal. The mining of resources such as lithium and cobalt, which are necessary for the production of lithium-ion batteries, causes significant environmental impact. A longer battery life could therefore also lead to lower resource consumption and improved sustainability.

🚀 Future developments and challenges

However, the continuous development and optimization of hybrid storage systems also pose challenges. One of them is the complexity of system integration and control. It requires extensive research and development to make the control algorithms and energy flow efficient in such hybrid systems. In addition, the costs of producing and integrating supercapacitors must be further reduced to make these technologies even more economically attractive.

Another field of research is improving materials science to further increase the performance of both batteries and supercapacitors. This includes the development of new electrolyte and electrode materials that offer higher energy density and better charging and discharging properties.

🔚 Advances in energy storage technology

Hybrid storage systems that combine lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors represent a significant advance in energy storage technology. By skillfully utilizing the respective strengths and minimizing the weaknesses of both technologies, a longer memory lifespan is achieved and the overall efficiency of the system is increased. With the “SukoBa” project and the development of the BaSiS software, the Fraunhofer IEE has made an important contribution, which offers technical, economic and ecological advantages. The future of hybrid storage systems is promising and will play a crucial role in sustainable energy supply and use.

📣 Similar topics

• 🔋 Revolutionary hybrid energy storage: A look into the future
• ⚙️ Hybrid storage systems: synergies of batteries and supercapacitors
• ⚡ Optimize energy: Focus on hybrid technologies
• 📊 SukoBa: Innovation through specialized simulations
• 🚗 Efficient electromobility thanks to hybrid storage systems
• 🛠️ BaSiS: The future of battery simulation starts now
• 🌱 Environmentally friendly energy: Hybrid storage is key
• 💡 Research and progress: The hybrid storage system in detail
• 📉 Cost reduction and longevity: advantages of hybrid storage systems
• 🌍 Sustainable energy storage through innovative technologies

#️⃣ Hashtags: #HybridStorage Systems, #LithiumIonBatteries, #Supercapacitors, #BatteryAging, #SustainableEnergy

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