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Description
The transport sectors decarbonization heavily depends on the affordability and safety of batteries. Current battery development processes are largely based on trial-and-error processes, which are inefficient both in terms of time and cost. Existing simulation tools already in the market have significant limitations in predictive modeling of new materials and designs, ageing mechanisms, and multiscale integration from component to system level. The proposed project aims to address these needs.
Exothermia, a software engineering company, is developing a simulation tool called DIBAG to digitalize battery testing for electric vehicles. The R&D-project aims to reduce battery development time, increase assessment quality, and improve the battery design itself. The software will generate digital twins of battery cells, modules, and packs using physics-based models. The project involves two main activities: Software Product development and Testing & Software validation.
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s Laboratory of Applied Physics’ center of Excellence for Future Vehicle Environmental Performance (FuVEP) will partner on the project, providing necessary experimental testing work to support the software’s parameterization and validation. The project is expected to result in the creation of 1 new ICT solution and increase Exothermia`s revenues and competitiveness.
Summary of project results
The decarbonisation of the transport sector is heavily relying on affordability and safety of batteries. Today, battery development is mostly based on trial-and-error processes, which are non-optimal in terms of time and cost. Digitalisation of battery testing (through simulation methods and tools) is therefore expected to reduce battery development time, increase quality of battery assessment and improve the battery design itself. Existing simulation tools in the market are substantially limited when it comes to ‘predictive’ modeling of new materials and designs, ageing mechanisms as well as multi-scale integration from component to system level. The proposed project responded to this need.
The project consisted in developing an innovative simulation tool for batteries used in electrified vehicles. The project was based on a multi-scale approach, spanning from battery cells to modules and packs using rigorous physics-based models. Particular attention was paid to the assessment of battery lifetime and reliability, including the modeling of fire risk and safety measures.
Through the project, detailed virtual models of real-world battery systems were created. These digital twins are used to validate and optimize battery performance under various conditions.
Two main activities were carried out: development of the software and testing/validating the software product.
Digital Twinning of Future Battery Technologies is a cutting-edge approach that leverages digital twin technology to enhance the efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness of battery systems. It allows to continuously monitor the battery''s performance, thus predicting potential issues, it helps improve the efficiency of battery development and manufacturing processes reducing significantly costs, and it also enables performance optimisation ensuring that the battery operates at its best under different conditions.
As a result, this project/solution assists the battery engineers develop efficient and reliable systems reducing costs and time-to-market.
Concerning the project outcomes, it is expected that the new simulation tool will improve the company''s competitiveness and profitability, since it offers a breakthrough solution with clear differentiators from competitor tools.