Planβ

The Planß project, which has been running since 2015 in collaboration with Alumina Systems GmbH for innovative ceramic-metal composite systems, König Metall GmbH & Co. KG for metal processing, TheSys GmbH for thermal solutions and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS, reached its provisional conclusion in 2020. The aim of the research work was to build a self-sufficient, stationary battery or energy storage system with high power and energy density, for example for charging stations or large energy storage systems.

The basis was the use of high-temperature batteries. The high energy Na/NiCl₂-batteries consist of planar ß-aluminate electrolytes.

Fig.: Schematic diagram of a planß Na/NiCl₂-cell
(Source: Wißbach, Michael, CuroCon GmbH)

The research work included the design of the components, the development of materials and components, their combination and the completion of the modules into a system.

By means of the DC-Link-UP-Box developed at CuroCon, the communication with energy suppliers, e.g. the transmission as well as the management in case of energy buffers or increased utilization as well as the connectivity to further energy storage systems via Industrial Base shall be ensured. The Industrial Base is also connected to an intelligent cloud and can thus coordinate systematic processes.

Fig.: CuroControl interconnection box for a cell test stand for Na/Cl cells
(Source: Wißbach, Michael, CuroCon GmbH)

For example, the fast charging of electric cars can be controlled in a targeted manner. The communication between charging station and vehicle is included. Furthermore, efficient, targeted load/energy management always promises profitable cost management.

In a separate system, the adiabatic cell test determines the power dissipation and is then measured by the CuroControl®MSR controlled. The temperature is also determined and the cell voltage and cell current are measured.

Fig.: Usage options
(Source: Wißbach, Michael, CuroCon GmbH)

The system is based on the software also developed at CuroCon CuroControl®SRx.

Our greatest success was to achieve a nearly homogeneous temperature distribution (280°C) in the system and the possibility to test Na/Cl cells for quality. In addition, the development and implementation of a battery management system with embedded systems was achieved.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners for the innovative and fruitful cooperation. We are looking forward to the joint further development of our project and are excited about new findings and possible applications in the field of energy management.