How to create an open market for second life e-mobility batteries in stationary energy storages

Panel: 2. Sustainable production towards a circular economy

Authors:
Reinhard Ungerböck, Graz Energy Agency, Austria
Andreas Nickl, AVL DiTEST, Austria
Marion Werinos, AVL List, Austria
Valentin Stein, Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG, Austria
Astrid Arnberger, Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG, Austria
Marion Werinos, AVL List, Austria
Andreas Nickl, AVL DiTEST, Austria
Valentin Stein, Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG, Austria
Astrid Arnberger, Saubermacher Dienstleistungs AG, Austria

Abstract

Energy storage systems are increasingly essential for the efficient integration of renewable energy sources in energy grids or to reduce individual energy costs, especially in industrial environments. Apart from conventional storage media, used battery systems from e-mobility applications are interesting for energy storage solutions: When they have reached approx. 80% of their maximum capacity, they are no longer suitable for e-mobility applications, but still show a sufficient state of health (SoH) for storage applications.

Second life battery storage solutions are sporadically integrated in energy grids for supplying energy to balance the grid frequency. Several pilot projects have been installed - mainly in Germany and in close cooperation with vehicle manufacturers (i.e. original equipment manufacturers – OEMs). A strong commitment by the OEMs to incorporate this market can be observed.

What would be necessary to open this market for other players? A system for rapid and low priced analysis of the SoH of a used battery system, independently from data access provided by the OEM. There is no adequate tool yet for a reliable calculation of the remaining value of those second life batteries, which comprehensively pictures all process steps including the recycling of the battery after it's second life. Moreover there are new use cases for battery storage systems: peak shaving and energy recovery applications in industrial environments have not been piloted yet. These use cases require publicly available tools to dimension and design storages for any given plant.

By using these technologies and tools, any potential market player is able to make value out of second life battery systems for energy storage solutions and to implement their economical and ecological advantages.

We will present results of the project “Second Life Batteries 4 Storage” that aims at developing those required components and culminates in a pilot application in an industrial environment.

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