2024 Tutorials*

Tuesday, March 12, 2024  8:30 - 10:00 am

TUT1: Sodium-ion Batteries (instructor will be presenting virtually)

Detailed Agenda
Philipp Adelhelm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin
8:30 am

Na-ion Batteries: Materials and State-of-the-Art

Philipp Adelhelm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin

Na-ion batteries (SIB) are rapidly developing as potential alternatives to complement Li-ion battery (LIB) technology. The energy densities of SIB are close to LIB, but at the same time they avoid or reduce the amounts of many critical elements used for LIB. Due to their conceptual similarity, SIB can be produced on the same manufacturing lines as LIB, which is a great advantage for market implementation. This tutorial gives an overview on Na-ion battery development, with the focus on materials (anode, cathode) and electrolytes.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Philipp Adelhelm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin

Philipp Adelhelm is a professor for physical chemistry at Humboldt-University Berlin. His current main interest is research on sustainable batteries. After studying materials science at the University of Stuttgart, he moved to the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam (department of Professor Antionetti / Smarsly, 2005-2007) for his doctoral project. This was followed by a 2-year postdoctoral stay at the University of Utrecht (Professor de Jongh) and then a position as a junior research group leader at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Justus Liebig University in Giessen (Professor Janek, 2009-2015). From 2015-2019 he was a professor at the Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. He has been a professor at the Institute for Chemistry at Humboldt-University since 2019, and heads a joint research group on operando battery analysis at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB).

TUT2: Battery Safety & Abuse Tolerance Validation

Detailed Agenda
Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.
8:30 am

Battery Safety and Abuse Tolerance Validation

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.

Batteries have become daily use components for many applications. New growing segments like EV and grid storage batteries extend the traditional ordinary battery applications. In the race for energy density, we shouldn't forget safety. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery safety case. Unfortunately, we face daily safety events with injuries and severe damage. This workshop focuses on portable, stationary, and automotive battery safety along the battery cycle life (acceptance, testing, assembly, use, transportation, and disposal). This training incorporates Shmuel De-Leon’s and other experiences on battery safety, representing over 26 years of work in the field. The motivation behind the training is to provide attendees with the knowledge needed to safely handle the batteries in their organization, and to support reduction in safety events.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.

Shmuel De-Leon, Founder and CEO of Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd., is a leading international expert in the business of energy storage. Prior to founding the company, for over 21 years, Shmuel held various positions as an energy storage, electronic engineering, and quality control team manager. Shmuel holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Tel Aviv University, and an M.B.A. in Quality Control and Reliability Engineering from the Technion Institute in Haifa, as well as an Electronic Technician's diploma.

TUT3: Technoeconomic Analysis

Detailed Agenda
Thomas D. Gregory, Owner and Consultant, Borealis Technology Solutions LLC
8:30 am

Technoeconomic Analysis: Effective Development and Commercialization Pathways for New Battery Technologies

Thomas D. Gregory, Owner and Consultant, Borealis Technology Solutions LLC

Technoeconomic analysis is often thought to be synonymous with cost estimation, but it is also a powerful tool for guiding process and product R&D as well as assessing competing technology. This tutorial will illustrate the value of integrating technoeconomic analysis into new product and process development from laboratory to plant construction, focusing on the early stages of development when critical decisions such as process route selection must be made with limited data. Techniques for estimating capital and operating costs will be covered, ranging from simple analogies to more complex methodologies. Using the results to differentiate between process options and proceed from “What can we do?” to “What should we do?” will be highlighted. These concepts and methodologies will be illustrated with real-world examples based on the instructor’s 40+ years of industrial experience.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED: 

- Factors that impact successful commercialization of battery materials 

- Technological feasibility versus economic practicality—market need/company capability intersection 

- Technoeconomic analysis methodology, focusing on the critical early stages of a project where product design and process chemistry and development occur amid significant technical and economic uncertainty

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Thomas D. Gregory, Owner and Consultant, Borealis Technology Solutions LLC

Tom Gregory received his BS in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1978 and his MS in 1979, specializing in electrochemical engineering. His 34-year career at Dow Chemical encompassed a variety of R&D roles including development and scale-up of production technology for organic, inorganic, polymer, and ceramic materials. He led pioneering rechargeable magnesium battery R&D and engaged in development of novel lithium ion battery and fuel cell-related technologies. Tom is currently a consultant specializing in chemical process analysis, design, and scale-up and electrochemical energy generation and storage. He is active in both AIChE and The Electrochemical Society and frequently serves on proposal review panels for the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. He is the inventor or co-inventor on 16 U.S. and 42 foreign patents and has published or presented 25 papers in scientific journals and conferences.

TUT4: In-Depth Analysis of the Chinese xEV Battery Industry

Detailed Agenda
Mark H. L. Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute
8:30 am

In-Depth Analysis of the Chinese xEV Battery Industry—From Applications to Upstream Materials

Mark H. L. Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute

As the world’s biggest EDV market, Chinese xEV industry has become the most important pioneering target. However, specially planned economy, localized regulations, and multiple business models exist and make international companies’ decision-making more difficult. Therefore, this tutorial will try to provide a whole picture of the Chinese EDV battery market including policies & regulations, future forecasts, competitive analysis, battery technology strategies, upstream supply chain, and positioning for foreign enterprises.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Mark H. L. Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute

Mr. Lu graduated from Department of Business Administration in National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan, and continued to acquire an MBA degree from National Sun Yat-sen University. His first job concerned with the optical film in China for two years, then came back Taiwan to serve Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) as an analyst in Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center (ISTI) until now. As a certified industrial analyst of the biggest think-tank in Taiwan, he is responsible for the research about Taiwan battery-related industry, including material, cell, pack and related applications. Not only handling the official government statistics about Taiwan battery industry, sometimes he also plays a role to provide consulting suggestions for Taiwan government and firms. From 2010 to June 2020, he served as the secretary-general of the Taiwan Battery Association.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024  10:30 - 12:00 pm

TUT5: Solid-State Batteries

Detailed Agenda
Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Professor, Chemistry, University of Calgary
10:30 am

Solid-State Batteries

Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Professor, Chemistry, University of Calgary

In this tutorial lecture, the development of state-of-the-art solid-state Li-ion and Na-ion electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries with emphasis on ionic conductivity and chemical and electrochemical stabilities will be discussed.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Professor, Chemistry, University of Calgary

Dr. Venkataraman Thangadurai is full professor of chemistry at the University of Calgary, Canada. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, United Kingdom. He received his BSc from Sacred Heart College in Tirupattur, India in 1989 and his MSc from Muthurangam Government Arts College in Vellore, India in 1991. He received his PhD from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India in 1999 and did his PDF at the University of Kiel, Germany. He received a prestigious PDF fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, Germany. Dr. Thangadurai received his Habilitation degree from the University of Kiel in 2004 and started his independent career in Calgary in 2005. He received the prestigious Keith Laidler Award from the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) in 2016 for his outstanding contributions to physical chemistry. His current research activities include discovery of novel ceramic membranes and mixed ion and electron conductors for all-solid-state batteries, solid oxide cells, and electrochemical gas sensors.

TUT6: Technical Approaches to Li-ion Battery Recycling

Detailed Agenda
Haixia (Haishah) Deng, PhD, Ascend Elements
Eric Gratz, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Ascend Elements
10:30 am

Technical Approaches to Li-ion Battery Recycling

Haixia (Haishah) Deng, PhD, Ascend Elements

Eric Gratz, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Ascend Elements

The tutorial will detail how spent batteries are transformed into new materials and reintroduced into the battery supply chain. The tutorial will overview both pyro and hydrometallurgical processes, as well as new innovations in recycling and sustainable battery materials engineering.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Haixia (Haishah) Deng, PhD, Ascend Elements

Dr. Haixia (Haishah) Deng joined in Ascend Elements in 2022. Before she joined in Ascend Elements, she served as a Sr. Director of Battery Materials in a silicon-valley based company. Dr. Deng has 20 years of experience in lithium ion battery. She focuses on high energy density cathode and anode materials development, manufacturing and Li-ion cell design, and fabrication. Dr. Deng authored more than 30 publications and patents and received 47th R&D 100 Awards for the accomplishment in Li-ion cathode materials.

Eric Gratz, PhD, Co-Founder & CTO, Ascend Elements

Dr. Eric Gratz, Co-founder and CTO of Battery Resourcers, is a former Assistant Research Professor at the Metal Processing Institute at WPI, has expertise in recycling, battery materials and extractive metallurgy. Dr. Gratz is responsible for the technical development of novel recycling processes at Battery Resourcers. He served as the CEO of Battery Resoucers from 2016 to 2020 where he grew Battery Resourcers from a 300sq ft lab to a fully vertically integrated pilot plant providing shredding through cathode production services of spent lithium ion batteries and battery materials. He has been working on lithium ion battery recycling since 2012 and is recognized as a global technical leader in the space.

TUT7: Accelerating EV Battery Design through Simulation

Detailed Agenda
Vidyu Challa, PhD, Reliability Manager, ANSYS, Inc.
Kevin Kong, PhD, Senior Applications Engineer, ANSYS, Inc.
10:30 am

Accelerating EV Battery Design through Simulation

Vidyu Challa, PhD, Reliability Manager, ANSYS, Inc.

Kevin Kong, PhD, Senior Applications Engineer, ANSYS, Inc.

One of the biggest impediments to widespread adoption of electric transportation is battery cost. Performance, safety, and hitting time-to-market all remain challenges for the EV design cycle. While car companies have decades of experience turning out conventional gasoline engine cars, they are faced with an evolving technological and regulatory landscape for electric vehicles. Tight time-to-market deadlines make it impossible to use the build, test, fix approach against a multitude of design choices that exist at the material and component level. Simulation is therefore critical in EV product development. Cell design, manufacturing quality, and battery integration (cooling system, mechanical design, etc.) significantly impact vehicle level attributes such as safety and performance. All of the components then need to be integrated and system performance validated against real-life usage conditions. Digital Twin and Reduced Order Models (ROMs) help bring simulations closer to the product behavior by bridging the need for real-time response with reasonable accuracy. Furthermore, a detailed modeling approach using Finite Element Method (FEM) can help users to better understand cell-level performance. A practical safety workflow will be demonstrated using LS-DYNA, a multi-physics solver, to show how users can simulate single-cell multi-physics characteristics, including internal short, voltage drop and thermal runaway and then scale to a larger model system. Attendees will gain an understanding of how cell multi-physics are implemented and set up in the solver. The solver's capability to predict cell response in catastrophic events can help user to design countermeasures for better cell performance.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Vidyu Challa, PhD, Reliability Manager, ANSYS, Inc.

Vidyu Challa brings 20 years of industry experience with 10 years in the battery space. She has been involved in different levels of the battery supply chain including cell manufacturing, testing, root cause analysis, safety and battery risk mitigation. She has broad based expertise that includes engineering technology start-up experience, consulting, product development, R & D, and various roles in marketing and business development. Dr. Challa has led battery training courses at major conferences and for leading companies in consumer, medical, and automotive verticals. She has consulted for leading companies on Battery quality and safety and has developed battery qualification programs. Dr. Challa obtained a PhD from the University of Maryland, where her work was focused on electronics reliability.

Kevin Kong, PhD, Senior Applications Engineer, ANSYS, Inc.

Kevin brings more than 10 years of experience in computational mechanics and is a Senior Applications Engineer at Ansys. His current work is focused on battery abuse modeling, Electric vehicle crash and in supporting customers with LS-DYNA related challenges in the automotive, consumer electronics and biomedical industry verticals. Kevin’s PhD work was focused on computational modeling of human soft tissues for automotive safety application.

TUT8: Cell and Pack Design

Detailed Agenda
Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric
10:30 am

Cell & Pack Design

Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric

This tutorial will give an overview of battery systems design. An overall product development process will be discussed for a typical system. Design aspects of each individual subsystem will be explored with cost impacts of different design choices. Testing, validation, and designing for safety will be other key areas of discussion.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric

Mr. Konecky brings over 20 years of xEV experience to his work, having worked on multiple complex designs for battery system development, charging system integration, and high-voltage powertrain integration. He is skilled in new product design and development, product testing, product safety, integration of multiple sub-systems for vehicles, new product launches and has expanded his skillset beyond batteries into power electronics. His experience in batteries includes multiple technologies (Li-ion, NiMH, UltraCapacitors, Lead-Acid). Mr. Konecky has worked for multiple OEM and Tier 1 battery suppliers (GM, Fisker, Byton, Cobasys, EnerDel, Lockheed Martin) and has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY) and MS from Purdue (IUPUI - Indianapolis, IN).

Tuesday, March 12, 2024  1:30 - 3:00 pm

TUT9: Improving the Energy Density of Batteries with Silicon-Based Anodes

Detailed Agenda
Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, R&D, Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.
1:30 pm

Improving the Energy Density of Batteries with Silicon-Based Anodes

Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, R&D, Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.

The key challenges in the use of silicon-based anodes, as well as progress in the implementation of silicon and what can we expect in the future. The latest improvements in other battery components are required to maximize the benefit of silicon-based anodes.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, R&D, Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.

Dr. Dee Strand is a Senior Scientist at Wildcat Discovery Technologies. Dr. Strand has over twenty years of experience in materials research, development, and commercialization, primarily in the areas of energy storage and electronic applications. Prior to joining Wildcat in 2013, Dr. Strand served as a Research Fellow at Dow Chemical, where she was the technical lead in Dow Energy Materials, as well as the Principal Investigator on external research programs with universities and national labs on battery materials. Dr. Strand also has extensive experience in patent analysis and technical due diligence of new technologies. Dr. Strand completed her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, under the supervision of Professor John Schrag. Her PhD research focused on rheology and birefringence of polymeric solutions. Dr. Strand also holds a Master of Science degree in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from North Dakota State University.

TUT10: Latest Developments on the Safe Transport and Storage of Lithium Batteries

Detailed Agenda
George A. Kerchner, Executive Director, PRBA Rechargeable Battery Association
1:30 pm

Latest Developments on the Safe Transport and Storage of Lithium Batteries

George A. Kerchner, Executive Director, PRBA Rechargeable Battery Association

There have been substantive changes to the lithium battery transport regulations, fire codes, and building codes that will impact every company involved with shipping, transporting, and storing of new and used lithium batteries in the United States. This tutorial will address all these changes and provide practical solutions for complying with these new regulatory requirements.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

George A. Kerchner, Executive Director, PRBA Rechargeable Battery Association

Mr. Kerchner has served as the Executive Director of PRBA – The Rechargeable Battery Association since 2006. He represents PRBA and its members in the United States and internationally on issues associated with the safe manufacturing, handling, transport, storage, recycling, and disposal of lithium batteries. He also represents PRBA at international transportation forums such as the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, International Civil Aviation Organization Dangerous Goods Panel, and International Maritime Organization Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers. Mr. Kerchner has also worked as a Senior Regulatory Analyst with the law firm of Wiley Rein LLP in Washington, DC since 2005 with expertise on the domestic and international transportation of new and waste lithium batteries, electric vehicles, and portable electronic equipment.

TUT11: Li-ion Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway

Detailed Agenda
Ahmad Pesaran, PhD, Chief Energy Storage Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
1:30 pm

Li-ion Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway

Ahmad Pesaran, PhD, Chief Energy Storage Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Application of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) in electrified transportation and renewable grid is growing at a very fast pace for decarbonization of the passenger vehicles by 2035. Due to the characteristics of current LIB technologies, although rare, there is potential for thermal runaway and fires, as seen by recent fires in Tesla Model S, Chevy Bolt, and grid storage system in an Arizona Utility. Increased severity of fire incidents with more advanced energy-dense LIBs, especially cathodes with higher Ni, and anodes with silicon or lithium, is expected. 

In this tutorial/seminar we will: 1.) discuss fundamental causes for safety issues leading to thermal runway and fire, 2.) review abusive behavior of cells and packs through characterization, testing, and modeling/simulations, 3.) provide overview of approaches that could reduce safety risks and detect impending failures, and 4.) provide references as a resource for accessing more information. 

This tutorial/seminar is provided by Dr. Ahmad Pesaran with 25+ years’ experience in lithium-ion battery R&D including safety testing and modeling with perspectives of his participation at USABC Technical Advisory Committee. He will provide the audience with information and understanding needed to handle Li-ion battery safety in both their work at their companies and in products they deliver to the market.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:   

  • LIB Applications ​LIB Introduction  
    a.    Battery Fundamentals 
    b.    Battery Chemistries 
    c.    Cell Designs 
  • LIB Safety and Abuse 
    a.    LIB Fires  
    b.    Instigators for Thermal Runaway 
    c.    Battery Abuse Characterization and Testing Equipment  
    d.    Battery Abuse Modeling/Simulation Tools 
  • Approaches for Designing Safer Cells and Modules–Recent Progress of EV Pack and System Safety
  • Remarks on Safe Handling of LIBs Summary

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Ahmad Pesaran, PhD, Chief Energy Storage Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

After receiving his Ph.D. from UCLA, Ahmad has been working at NREL on energy efficient technologies including electrified vehicles. Until 2017, Ahmad was the Manager of the Energy Storage Group researching science and engineering of high energy anodes and cathodes, battery thermal management, 3D electrochemical-thermal modeling, safety and thermal runaway modeling, battery second use, techno-economic analysis of batteries for EVs; he led the Computer-Aided Engineering for Electric Drive Vehicle Batteries for Department of Energy (DOE).Between 2016 and 2018 he was detailed at the DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) as technical advisor to the Battery program supporting battery processing, extreme fast charging and recycling. He was the Administrator for the first Phase of the DOE Battery Recycling Prize.Currently, Ahmad is pursuing energy storage business development activities for NREL and supports VTO with battery processing, manufacturing, solid electrolyte, and low-cobalt cathode projects.

TUT12: The Rechargeable Battery Market: Value Chain & Main Trends

Detailed Agenda
Christophe Pillot, PhD, Director, Avicenne Energy
Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Energy, Avicenne Energy
1:30 pm

The Rechargeable Battery Market: Value Chain and Main Trends, 2023-2033

Christophe Pillot, PhD, Director, Avicenne Energy

Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Energy, Avicenne Energy


ABOUT THIS TUTORIAL:

This tutorial will present the 10-year automotive market forecasts from Avicenne and other analysts (micro/Hybrid/P-HEV/EV). Other coverage will include car makers’ strategies and advanced energy storage (advanced lead acid/supercap/NiMH/LIB). Additionally, LIB design for P-HEV & EV markets (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch/wounded, stacked, Z fold cells) and LIB cell, module, and pack cost structure will be discussed.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

  • The rechargeable battery market in 2023
  • Battery market by application
  • Electronic devices, xEV, e-bikes, power tools
  • Stationary applications
  • Raw material for lithium-ion battery supply chain
  • Battery market forecasts, 2023-2033
  • Focus on xEV market
  • OEM supply chainx
  • EV forecasts
  • Impact of Li-ion batteries on lead acid battery market
  • Conclusions​

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Christophe Pillot, PhD, Director, Avicenne Energy

Christophe has built up considerable expertise in the area of batteries. He joined AVICENNE 26 years ago and spent 3 years in Japan analyzing the Japanese electronic, mobile & battery market. Christophe has acquired extensive experience in marketing, strategy analysis, technology and financial studies for the battery and power management fields. He developed the Battery market analysis for AVICENNE, which serves more than 220 customers worldwide. Christophe has published several annual surveys such as "The Rechargeable Battery Market". He is also the founder & chairman of Batteries - an international industry conference held in France since 1999. He is now Director at AVICENNE ENERGY. Globally, he has been involved in more than 300 projects for 200+ customers in the Battery value chain. Before joining AVICENNE, Christophe held a key position in FRANCE TELECOM's innovation division. He has a degree in Chemistry & an MBA in Innovation Management from Paris IX Dauphine. His mother tongue is French, and he speaks fluent English.

Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Energy, Avicenne Energy

Mike has significant energy storage materials value chain understanding with an emphasis on lithium-ion batteries and systems with 13 years of market knowledge and relationships. Successful program leadership experience with significant business growth in ventures and existing businesses with a proven track record leading mergers and acquisition teams to enter the lithium-ion battery materials market. He joined AVICENNE in May of 2016 as a Senior Advisor. Since joining the AVICENNE team, Mike has been leading the US AVICENNE activity working with many clients holding strategy workshops, validation of growth opportunities, helping clients establish their growth plans in energy storage, and establishing M&A targets/diligence. Before joining AVICENNE, Mike had a very long career with DuPont, his most recent role was the Global Marketing Director – Energy Storage Venture where he developed significant understanding and insights for the energy storage materials market, device manufacturing, and systems while leading global marketing and customer interface efforts to establish programs to enter the $20B energy storage materials market. Executed strategic and market planning for opportunity evaluation, research, choices, and M&A activity for entry into rapidly growing new market. He has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Delaware and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and Electrochemical Society.

Tuesday, March 12, 2024  3:15 - 4:45 pm

TUT13: Safety, Reliability & Performance for Energy Storage Projects (instructor will be presenting virtually)

Detailed Agenda
Matthias Vetter, PhD, Energy Storage Chief Expert, Huawei Nuremberg Research Center
3:15 pm

Key Factors for Successful Implementation and Utilization of Battery Energy Storage Systems

Matthias Vetter, PhD, Energy Storage Chief Expert, Huawei Nuremberg Research Center

Battery energy storage systems are the backbone for efficient and reliable use of fluctuating, renewable energy sources in power grids. They can be used in behind-the-meter energy supply systems as well as in utility-scale applications. For successful projects, risks on a technical and economical level have to be considered and are addressed by quality-assurance measures, which have to include the following topics:

- Safety on a component and system level including functional safety

- Reliability on a component and system level

- Performance: efficiency and effectiveness 

Aging of battery cells has a strong impact on these key factors. Therefore, verification and evaluation have to consider not only system behavior at beginning of life but also at an aged status. In this context, it is important to investigate the application-specific degradation rate and not only equivalent full cycles and calendric lifetime.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Matthias Vetter, PhD, Energy Storage Chief Expert, Huawei Nuremberg Research Center

Electrical Engineer; Since 03/2024, Energy Storage Chief Expert at Huawei Nuremberg Research Center. Unit 02/2024 various positions at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE: Head of Department Electrical Energy Storage, Head of Department PV Off-grid Solutions and Battery System Technology, Head of Group Off-grid Power Supplies. Coordinator for Stationary Battery Storage at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE; Contact Person for Battery Systems at Fraunhofer Battery Alliance; Spokesman of R&D Advisory Board of German Energy Storage Systems Association (BVES); Technical Advisor of Working Group “Stationary Applications and Integration” of Batteries European Partnership Association / Batteries Europe; Member of Steering Committee of Batteries European Partnership Association / Batteries Europe.

TUT14: Li-ion Cell Design and Manufacturing

Detailed Agenda
James Kaschmitter, CEO, SpectraPower LLC
3:15 pm

Li-ion Cell Design and Manufacturing: Processes, Equipment, and Quality Control

James Kaschmitter, CEO, SpectraPower LLC

This tutorial will begin with an overview of Li-ion cell design for performance and manufacturability, including contrasting the performance and characteristics of commonly used materials. The tutorial will then lead to a detailed review of Li-ion cell manufacturing, from incoming raw materials through final cell formation, aging, and shipment.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

James Kaschmitter, CEO, SpectraPower LLC

James Kaschmitter is the CEO of SpectraPower, which he founded in 2002. SpectraPower operates a battery research facility in Livermore, CA that performs contract energy storage research, consulting and expert witness services for government, private companies, law firms, startups and investors. Jim has founded, or co-founded, several companies in the energy storage field. He began research in Li-ion batteries in 1989 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). He was co-founder and CEO of PolyStor Corporation starting in 1993. PolyStor is the only U.S. company to have commercially manufactured in high volume in the U.S. all form factors of lithium-ion cells, including cylindrical, prismatic and polymer. In 1997 Jim founded PowerStor Corporation to commercialize the carbon aerogel supercapacitor that he co-invented at LLNL. PowerStor supercapacitors are now manufactured and sold in high volume by Eaton Bussman. He founded UltraCell in 2002, which successfully developed the world’s first reformed methanol micro fuel cell. UltraCell’s micro fuel cells are currently manufactured and sold by Brentronics and are deployed with U.S military and intelligence units, and are in use in combat in the Middle East. Jim holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and has a bachelor’s degree in the Physics Honors Program from the University of Utah. He holds more than 20 patents in the alternative energy field. He owns, maintains and operates an experimental aircraft and holds instrument and multi-engine ratings.

TUT15: Cell Passport—Designing Li-ion Rechargeable Cell Data Sheets

Detailed Agenda
Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.
3:15 pm

Cell Passport—Designing Optimal Lithium Rechargeable Cell Data Sheets

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.

Cell data sheets provided by battery manufacturers describe cell functions, performance, operational limits and safety prohibitions. Device manufacturers rely on data sheets for cell selection and battery pack design. These data sheets provide critical information on function, performance and safety. It is also used for marketing purposes. We have prepared an optimal cell data sheet template for rechargeable lithium cells based on review of our extensive collection of data sheets. This tutorial will focus on how to prepare and read an optimal lithium rechargeable data sheet and how to define and test each parameter.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.

Shmuel De-Leon, Founder and CEO of Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd., is a leading international expert in the business of energy storage. Prior to founding the company, for over 21 years, Shmuel held various positions as an energy storage, electronic engineering, and quality control team manager. Shmuel holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Tel Aviv University, and an M.B.A. in Quality Control and Reliability Engineering from the Technion Institute in Haifa, as well as an Electronic Technician's diploma.

TUT16: Battery Sustainability

Detailed Agenda
Stefan Debruyne, Director of External Affairs, SQM International
Andrew Miller, COO, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
Beatrice Browning, Senior Recycling Analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
Sarah Colbourn, Acting Head of Sustainability, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
3:15 pm

Sustainability in the Automotive Battery Supply Chain

Stefan Debruyne, Director of External Affairs, SQM International

Considering the increasing interest in supply chain due diligence related to initiatives, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Battery Regulation, the ESG aspect of raw material production is becoming more and more important. However, the ESG landscape is one that merges several highly specialist fields, which can be tremendously confusing to the many stakeholders of the automotive battery value chain. The objective of the tutorial is to provide participants with an understandable overview of some of the latest and key aspects of sustainability initiatives in the automotive battery value chain. What is the best mining assurance standard? What about life-cycle assessment? How do companies work to improve footprints? What is the potential for improvement going forward?

3:15 pm null

Andrew Miller, COO, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

3:15 pm

Lithium-ion Battery Recycling—Challenges and Supply Chain Considerations

Beatrice Browning, Senior Recycling Analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

3:15 pm null

Sarah Colbourn, Acting Head of Sustainability, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Stefan Debruyne, Director of External Affairs, SQM International

Stefan Debruyne joined SQM in 2005 as Asia-Pacific Sales Director, Lithium and Iodine, where he witnessed firsthand the lithium-ion battery production boom in Asia and the emerging electrification of transportation in China. In his present role as Business Development Director, he is focusing on the engagement with the automotive battery value chain and its stakeholders. Prior to joining SQM in 2005, he held a variety of international commercial roles at different listed companies. He has earned a Business Engineering degree from University of Leuven and an executive MBA from Vlerick Business School. He currently works for SQM as Director of Business Development.

Andrew Miller, COO, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Andrew Miller holds the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence Ltd (Benchmark), a London-based market intelligence, consultancy and price reporting agency specializing in energy transition supply chains. Andrew oversees Benchmark's supply chain research and analysis, which stretches from long-term forecasting of supply, demand, costs, and pricing, through to sustainability assessments and bespoke advisory projects for a cross section of industry and regulatory stakeholders. At Benchmark, Andrew regularly presents to leading market participants, government bodies and industry forums, while also travelling to active mines, processing plants and manufacturing hubs across the world. He leads a global team of analysts and consultants and has advised some of the world’s leading institutional investors, auto OEMs, battery producers and mining companies. Prior to Benchmark, Andrew held a number of analyst positions across commodity research and finance, after graduating with a first-class honours degree in Economics from the University of East Anglia, UK.

Beatrice Browning, Senior Recycling Analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Beatrice Browning is the senior recycling analyst in the forecasting team at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. She has been working towards a PhD in lithium-ion battery recycling since 2019, which has given her an in-depth technical understanding of lithium-ion battery recycling techniques—something that has been highly useful for her role as a recycling analyst at Benchmark. Beatrice has been working on the recycling forecast since March 2021, tracking regional advancements in battery recycling infrastructure, technologies, and policy frameworks to build up a global understanding of the lithium-ion battery recycling market.

Sarah Colbourn, Acting Head of Sustainability, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Sarah Colbourn, Acting Head of Sustainability at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, leads analysis covering research on energy transition supply chains, exploring the sustainability of raw material extraction and refining, assessing ESG risks and opportunities. Beyond this focus, Sarah has experience of leading Benchmark's coverage of the battery recycling market, having been responsible for Benchmark's long-term outlook of the market prior.

 

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