NEXTPMS

The EU is aiming to become climate neutral by 2050 and batteries play a crucial role in this transition to clean energy. The electrification of the European economy and society, both in the transportation sector and in stationary storage systems, has led to rapid growth in the European battery industry. This covers the entire value chain from battery cell production to recycling and secondary use. The optimal use of battery systems not only brings environmental benefits, but also serves end users by extending the operational and service life of batteries and reducing costs through more efficient use of materials.

The European research project NEXTBMS coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (long title: NEXT-generation physics and data-based Battery Management Systems for optimized battery utilization) aims to develop an advanced battery management system (BMS) on the basis of fundamental knowledge and experience with the physico-chemical processes of lithium-ion batteries. This enables a significant improvement of current modeling approaches, also with regard to future developments of lithium (Li) battery materials.

The optimization of the models is achieved through the use of improved sensors and measurement techniques as well as by adapting the cell configurations. These measures create a framework that enables more accurate prediction and control of battery health. By overcoming these challenges, NEXTBMS ensures that the next generation of BMSs will deliver higher performance, improved safety and longer battery cell life, resulting in overall optimal utilization of the battery system.

In addition to project management and technical coordination of the NEXTBMS project, AIT, together with other project partners, is responsible for the electrical and ageing characterization of the selected Li-ion cells to be used for the NEXTBMS battery module prototypes. AIT will assemble the battery module prototypes including the battery cells, sensors and the developed BMS. The prototypes will then be tested under various operating conditions to verify the implemented safety functions and the detection of faulty cells within the module.

Project manager Hansjörg Kapeller summarizes: "NEXTBMS aims to develop solutions for the next generation of battery management systems. The project contributes to achieving the optimal use of battery systems, extending their service life and reducing costs through more efficient use of materials. It supports systemic changes towards environmentally friendly mobility solutions. This benefits both the environment and end users."