3D Battery

Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) have been the focus of attention and developments in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), and stationary storage. While on material level (NMC) a gravimetric energy density of about 650 Wh/kg can be reached, the practical energy density drops down to values in the range of 100-150 Wh/kg. It is now considered essential to make EVs more competitive with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in term of range and refueling time but current energy densities values which are lower than 200 Wh/kg are considered acceptable only for short range travel. Therefore, the technology may be further improved, with a potential increase of energy to approximately 290 Wh/kg by 2030, which will extend driving range to 250-300 km. For a successful and economic use of LIBs in future lightweight actuating devices a significant increase of the practical energy density is required. The battery industry has to focus on new technologies in order to define new standards for long lifetime batteries with outstanding electrochemical performance. Advanced laser processes in battery manufacturing are rather new and have the potential to push the boundaries of innovation. ... mehrThe laser process will enable new concepts in battery production, which are independent from the battery chemistry or materials. These concepts are the “3D Battery Concept” (high power) and the “Thick Film Concept” (high energy). The combination of both concepts will lead to an increased battery lifetime and a reduction of production costs due to a tremendous improvement of electrode wetting with liquid electrolyte (Capillary Concept).