Summary
- Hexagon has developed a new battery cell design suite that combines simulation and metrology software
- The software allows for efficient exploration of cell designs and simulation of electrochemical performance
- Manufacturers can reduce trial-and-error with a digital twin and better understand changes to a cell’s internal morphology
- Users can simulate the electrochemistry of different battery chemistries and optimize performance outcomes
- The software helps in examining manufacturing processes, battery aging, and safety implications for optimal charging protocols
Article
Hexagon, a Swedish industrial technology company, has developed a new battery cell design suite in collaboration with Fraunhofer ITWM. This software combines Hexagon’s multi-physics material simulation and metrology software with Fraunhofer ITWM’s electrochemical simulation technology. The goal of this suite is to allow for efficient exploration of cell designs while considering the effects of manufacturing processes on the quality and performance of cells. By utilizing this technology, R&D departments can reduce the need for expensive lab tests and accelerate the discovery of advanced battery technologies.
The integration of Fraunhofer ITWM’s Battery and Electrochemistry Simulation Tool (BEST) solver into Hexagon’s Digimat material behavior modeling software enables users to simulate the electrochemistry of a cell’s constituent microstructure, electrolyte, separator, active material, binder, and current collector for various battery chemistries. This provides a deeper understanding of how changes to a cell’s internal morphology impact its performance. Manufacturers can make informed decisions by selecting appropriate materials and configurations, such as particle size distribution and carbon binder distribution, to achieve enhanced performance outcomes like energy efficiency, lifespan, and optimal charging protocols.
Using a digital twin for virtual design exploration allows designers to examine how manufacturing processes impact the cell microstructure. Hexagon’s VGSTUDIO MAX 3D metrology software enables the reverse-engineering of the internal structure of manufactured cells from a CT scan. Through this process, designers can also analyze battery aging and safety implications of cell design, which can inform the creation of an optimal charging protocol for the battery management system. This integrated approach to design and development aims to address the challenges faced by R&D teams in balancing materials and electrochemical design, mechanical design, and manufacturing processes.
The complex nature of cell design and development often involves significant challenges, with many relying on trial and error to achieve optimal outcomes. With the partnership between Hexagon and Fraunhofer ITWM, R&D teams can pursue better performing battery cell designs and develop them more quickly by receiving rapid feedback from prototypes. By leveraging the capabilities of the battery design software suite, manufacturers can reduce costly trial-and-error processes and expedite the discovery of advanced battery technologies. This collaborative effort aims to revolutionize the battery industry by providing innovative solutions for efficient and effective battery cell design.
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