Impact of Solid State Batteries on Li Ion Battery Manufacturing Equipment
Published on : Tuesday 01-10-2024
Maya Xiao on what happens when solid-state batteries meet traditional li-ion battery manufacturing equipment.
With the rapid development of electric vehicles and renewable energy, battery technology is reaching a new milestone – solid-state batteries. Within this field, battery equipment suppliers are facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Seizing opportunities and meeting market demand for efficient, reliable, and innovative battery production equipment will be crucial in determining the future market leaders.
In the upcoming ‘Li-ion Battery and Manufacturing Equipment 2024’ report by Interact Analysis, the market landscape of current Li-ion battery equipment suppliers is analysed from multiple perspectives. This article will discuss the impact of solid-state batteries on Li-ion battery manufacturing equipment and the challenges faced by traditional Li-ion battery equipment companies. It will also share new developments from equipment manufacturers in the solid-state battery field.
Differences in production processes between solid-state and liquid-state batteries
The production process of solid-state batteries is significantly different from that of traditional liquid electrolyte batteries. In the manufacturing of solid-state batteries, solid electrolyte materials are first prepared through powder metallurgy or chemical synthesis methods. Then, the active materials of the positive and negative electrodes are stacked with the solid electrolyte layer and pressed and sintered at high temperatures to form the electrode sheet. The diagram below illustrates the differences between the manufacturing processes of traditional liquid batteries and solid-state batteries (using sulfide-based solid-state batteries as an example).
However, the manufacturing technology and equipment requirements for solid-state batteries also present new challenges for traditional battery equipment manufacturers. Although semi-solid and quasi-solid batteries may dominate the market in the short-term, the future application of fully solid electrolytes and the use of metal Li-ion as an anode material will inevitably lead to major reforms in production processes. Therefore, equipment manufacturers must transition accordingly in advance.
For instance, some manufacturers have begun experimenting with dry electrode technology in the front-end process. For example, Yinhe has developed its second-generation, dry electrode, mass production equipment, while PNT has signed an order with Tesla to supply dry electrode process equipment. The concept of dry electrode technology is like that of solid-state batteries, as it abandons traditional liquid solvents while adapting to current process flows. Through such technological upgrades, manufacturers can gradually adapt to new process requirements without significantly altering back-end equipment, thereby maximising economic benefits.
Advantages of dry electrode technology
Dry electrode technology is a solvent-free production method that forms sheet or film electrodes by directly mixing positive and negative electrode materials with binders and then rolling, spraying, or extruding. Compared with wet processes, dry processes have the following advantages in manufacturing solid-state batteries:
- Lower production costs and reduced environmental impact: It eliminates the steps of slurry mixing, drying, and solvent recovery, reducing production costs and minimising environmental impact.
- Higher energy density and durability: The contact between the active material and the conductive agent is tighter, enhancing the battery’s energy density and durability.
- Wide range of applications: For example, Li-ion metal anodes can only be made using the dry process.
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Market dynamics and industry outlook
Interact Analysis has also compiled a list of new developments from major Li-ion battery equipment manufacturers in the solid-state battery field.
We have observed that significant breakthroughs in the solid-state battery field are mainly driven by established liquid Li-ion battery manufacturers. These companies leverage their deep industry experience and strong R&D capabilities to maintain a lead in technological innovation. Given the high technical barriers and significant capital requirements in this industry, we are cautious about the likelihood of new entrants making significant progress in the short term.
https://interactanalysis.com/research-products/batteries/
Maya Xiao is Research Manager at Interact Analysis. Maya has an interdisciplinary technical background in vehicle electrification, system automation and robotics. Based in China, she is the lead analyst for Interact Analysis’ Li-ion battery and forklift research, also covering markets for industrial and collaborative robots.
Honeywell commissions battery energy storage system in Lakshadweep Islands
Honeywell Automation India Limited has successfully delivered and commissioned a microgrid Battery Energy and Storage System (BESS) in India, for the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s (SECI) Lakshadweep Islands project.
SECI’s Lakshadweep Islands project is the country’s first on-grid solar initiative that uses BESS to manage the supply of renewable power. Honeywell’s BESS technologies are being integrated into the microgrid of the remote Kavaratti islands of Lakshadweep, supporting the strategic initiative of decarbonisation of the islands’ energy supply.
Honeywell’s BESS technology includes a portfolio of solutions to help power producers store and distribute renewable energy. It includes a complete end-to-end solution that controls automation, safety, and efficiency aspects with a facility to render remote operations for battery modules and grid management systems to enable renewable power to be used within a microgrid that can also co-exist alongside national grid supply.
For the Lakshadweep project, Honeywell is supplying its Energy Management System (EMS)/Microgrid controller and Power Plant Controller to manage the distribution of renewable energy, as well as a range of BESS sub-systems.
“We are committed to supporting India’s energy transition and energy self-reliance initiative by driving constant technology and software innovation to participate in the country’s Net Zero 2070 goal. To get there, new power/energy sources will be required, including renewables. Honeywell’s BESS technology is one of the fundamental enablers of this transition. The integration of our BESS technology into the Lakshadweep microgrid system is a positive step forward in this journey, and we are proud to play a critical role,” said Ashish Gaikwad, Vice President and General Manager, of Honeywell Industrial Automation India.
Honeywell delivered the end-to-end solution to SunSource Energy Private Limited, a leading solar company in India for its contract from Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd. The project was inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi.
This prestigious initiative marks the first non-containerized BESS, approved by SECI, and integrates advanced Energy Management Systems (EMS) with LEDA’s Distribution Generation Microgrid, heralding a new era of green energy for the Lakshadweep Islands.
At present, nearly all the consumed power and energy in Lakshadweep is provided by diesel generator units. These large petroleum-based generators have high carbon emissions and further have a dependency on the mainland for fuel, which increases the average cost of electricity. Santanu Guha, CEO, SunSource Energy said, “We are very happy to play a pivotal role in this landmark project that supports the energy transition efforts of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep and that aligns with our commitment to advancing sustainable projects that contribute to the country’s net-zero goals.”
As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Govt. of India, the 1.7MWp Solar and 1.4MWh BESS-enabled Lakshadweep project aims to save ₹2500 million over the lifetime, reduce diesel consumption by 19.8 million litres, and offset 58000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
"This project addresses the energy challenges of Lakshadweep and aligns seamlessly with the broader national objective of promoting green energy. We believe it will pave the way for more sustainable and resilient energy solutions for island regions across the country," said Shreedhar Singh, Additional General Manager at SECI.
The 1.4MWh BESS delivery scope includes Honeywell’s fire suppression system, Energy Management System (EMS)/Microgrid controller, and Power Plant Controller. Honeywell EMS use cases include capacity smoothing, peak shaving, volt VAR control, black start operation, and constant charging and discharging.
The successful delivery and commissioning of Honeywell’s pioneering battery energy and storage system in the Lakshadweep Islands Project signifies a significant step towards decarbonization and wider accessibility of power in support of the nation's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.
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