Processing, visualizing, and using Energy Data from the Battery Innovation Center in order to create a Digital Battery Passport

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis

Abstract

At the Battery Innovation Center of AVL List GmbH in Graz, prototypes, and serial products of traction batteries, e.g., for electric vehicles, are manufactured. From 2027 onwards, battery related data, e.g., the global warming potential of the manufacturing process, must be documented in a Battery Passport, according to European Union battery regulations. To create this mandatory battery passport application, generate meaningful dashboards, and potentially optimize the manufacturing processes regarding efficiency, energy data is measured, processed, visualized, and utilized in different manners. This is done in the underlying thesis by several consecutive and partly interconnected tasks, which are described in the introduction and represented in the following chapters. First, the state of the art of the manufacture of traction batteries is investigated by the means of a literature research to understand the general build-up and challenges involved in this process. This involves a description of the major battery components. Also, the crucial aspects of data acquisition, management and quality are addressed. Next, the Battery Innovation Center at AVL List GmbH is described to analyze the production capabilities, processes, individual stations and involved machines. This step is crucial to identify processes and relevant stakeholders that are involved in different subsections and applications regarding the assembly and testing of the traction batteries. The centerpiece of this thesis is the energy data analysis, where before-mentioned production, processes, and involved machines are assessed regarding energy consumption, in order to consequently compute energy inputs needed for subsequent analyzes. With the results of the energy analysis, a Life Cycle Assessment is conducted, in which the initially mentioned global warming potential can be identified and quantified. This is done by the means of Carbon-Dioxide-Equivalents related to the necessary energy inputs, consumables, and process gases needed for manufacturing the traction battery under assessment. By interviewing categorizable stakeholders, their professional needs, relevant metrics and Key Performance Indicators can be derived. This is done according to a questionnaire which is an extension of past research projects realized at the Battery Innovation Center. Computed data and the identified professional needs, relevant metrics, as well as Key and Energy Performance Indicators are used to create dashboard mock-ups. The dashboard mock-ups serve as a basis for future demands and efforts in visualizing relevant data to specific stakeholders for monitoring and improving (energy) efficiency and processes at AVL. As a final step, the regulation by the European Union regarding the Battery Passport is analyzed, in order to derive action recommendations on how data can be implemented in such product passports. The initial situation and the existing minimum viable product are briefly explained and necessary data for a digital battery passport creation is described. Finally, a summary of the most important results is given, including an outlook and recommendations for future (research) projects regarding battery manufacturing, energy, and life cycle assessments at the Battery Innovation Center at AVL List GmbH.

Details

Translated title of the contributionVerarbeiten, Visualisieren und Nutzen von Energiedaten des Battery Innovation Center zur Erstellung eines digitalen Batteriepasses
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
Award date28 Jun 2024
Publication statusPublished - 2024