Among our most significant research topics are:
Battery Testing and Characterization
Research is focused on the measurement of electrical and thermal parameters of battery cells and modules. Typically, cell characterization is performed in various modes (cycling, pulse loading, storage) and with the use of a wide range of diagnostic methods—from electrochemical measurements to analyses of aging and fault states.
Modeling and Lifetime Prediction
Within the group, models for describing battery behavior are being developed, focusing also on the prediction of remaining capacity and lifespan. The models are based on both experimental data and physical principles. For heat transfer simulations, numerical calculations by the finite element method (FEM) are used, which also serve for the design and optimization of thermal management systems.
Control Systems and Software Tools
Furthermore, algorithms are being developed for estimating State of Charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH), and Remaining Useful Life (RUL). Group members are dedicated to the development and implementation of Battery Management Systems (BMS), Thermal Management Systems (TMS), and Energy Management Systems (EMS), including diagnostics and data support.
Battery Second Life
Our research is focused on the evaluation of the condition of used batteries and their potential for further use after the primary function has ended. Electrochemical properties, the degree of degradation, and safety risks are monitored with the aim of determining suitability for second-life applications, such as stationary storage or backup systems. Evaluation is carried out using laboratory tests and methods focused on changes in cell behavior over time.
Battery End-of-Life Treatment and Recycling
Our activities are focused on the development and optimization of processes for end-of-life battery treatment, in accordance with applicable legislative and safety requirements. Individual steps of recycling pre-treatment are addressed, such as discharging, crushing, and separation of fractions, with an emphasis on the effective recovery of black mass. The analysis of changes in the material composition of cells and the stability of electrolytes is also part of the research, especially through the identification of volatile organic compounds by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Environmental and Economic Impact Assessment
The impacts of technologies are assessed throughout their entire lifecycle (Life Cycle Assessment), with a focus on both environmental burden and economic costs. For the evaluation of technological variants and investment costs of systems across different application scenarios, multi-criteria analytical methods are used. The results obtained serve as a basis for decision-making on the selection of suitable technological processes or the design of optimization strategies.
Inductive Power Transfer
Our research is focused on contactless energy transfer using magnetic induction for battery charging. Among the topics examined are bidirectional charging of electric vehicles, detection of metal objects, optimization of transfer coils, and the development and control of power electronics.
The B&ESS-CTU group's applied research is focused on the specific use of battery systems. The group is involved in the design and testing of modules for electric vehicles, hybrid and home energy storage, and also for space mission systems, such as satellites. They also contribute to the design of energy storage solutions integrated with renewable energy sources and participate in the development of energy management systems.
The research results are implemented in cooperation with other research groups and industrial partners and are further developed within national and international projects. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students are actively involved in the group by completing term projects and final theses.
What are we currently working on?
- Estimating and predicting the lifetime of lithium-ion batteries in space applications.
- Diagnostics of lithium-ion cells using pulse currents and electrochemical methods.
- Modeling and diagnostics of battery modules and packs
- Characterization and modeling of cells intended for second-life use, including the prediction of operational behavior.
- Developing recycling methods for battery cells and modules with a focus on recycling pre-treatment steps.
- Experimental recovery and evaluation of "black mass" for its potential reuse in the production of new cells.
- Identification and analysis of volatile organic compounds from electrolytes using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS).
- Evaluating the environmental and economic impacts of technologies through multi-criteria methods and LCA approaches.
