Business Chemistry and Energy Storage
The strategic battery team, consisting of researchers of Helmholtz Institute Münster and the University of Münster, develops strategic perspectives on battery research. The research area includes cost, supply, and environmental aspects along various steps of the value chain of both, state-of-the-art and future battery technologies.
Cost Modeling
After analysing the field of cost estimation (1), the team developed bottom-up material and process cost models allowing for detailed estimation of battery costs on cell and pack level. The models have so far been used to evaluate cost impacts of different battery materials (2) and to investigate optimal battery plant location in the EU (3). In order to evaluate the cost impacts of technological advances and economic developments, changes in battery design and materials, process technologies, as well as economic parameters are continuously integrated into the models.
Supply Risk
Regarding supply, the team developed a methodology to quantify the global aggregated supply risks of battery component metals, as well as techniques to aggregate these into risks on the battery level (4). Current research focuses on developing a methodology to calculate region-specific supply risks.
Environmental Risk
The team also analyses the environmental impact of the use of various metals in the manufacturing of battery cathode active materials (4). Current research focuses on the creation of a sustainable factory location framework which integrates the environmental aspects in addition to cost and knowledge.
The research is continuously complemented by further steps of the battery value chain and upcoming technologies to provide a holistic view on developments in the highly dynamic battery environment.
We are looking forward to collaborating with interested partners from industry and academia!
Publications:
1) Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 2020, 127, DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2020.109872
2) Energies 2019, 12(3), 504, DOI: 10.3390/en12030504
3) Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 264, DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121428
4) Journal of Energy Storage 2019, 26, DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2019.101022