Reference projects of the Fraunhofer IST

Solid-state batteries are a promising concept for the further development of conventional lithium-ion batteries. By using solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes, there is the potential for solid-state batteries to offer higher storage capacities, shorter charging times and greater safety in the long term. The FestBatt competence cluster works in an interdisciplinary manner on the production, optimization, processing and upscaling of materials for the new generation batteries.

In the SE.MA.KI project, a fully coordinated production system with standardized interfaces is being planned that allows a modular structure and an exchange of technologies depending on the particular application. In this blog post, Dr. Torben Seemann provides an insight into the project.

The goal of the ZESS as a Fraunhofer Project Center is to bring next-generation mobile and stationary energy storage systems to industrial maturity. In the field of mobile lithium solid-state batteries, ZESS will be developed into a unique national competence center that utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to develop innovative solutions for the entire value chain. Through its participation, Fraunhofer IST supports the further development of energy storage technologies.

Die Transformation zur Elektromobilität gilt als wichtiger Baustein zum Erreichen einer klimaneutralen Mobilität bis spätestens 2050. Für Elektrofahrzeuge ist die Karosserie nach der Batterie der größte Faktor für CO2-Emissionen. Das Konsortium des Leitprojektes »FutureCarProduction« entwickelt daher ganzheitliche Lösungsansätze für die Bewertung neuer Karosseriekonzepte der Automobilindustrie.

Due to the current resource- and environmentally-intensive battery production, there is a need for uniform and robust recycling and production systems as well as the use of secondary materials to close material cycles. The aim of the greenBatt competence cluster is to develop, design and apply innovative technologies, methods and tools for an energy- and material-efficient battery life cycle and closed material cycle.

How can economic, social and ecologically sustainable structural change be implemented in the former Helmstedt mining area? How can existing jobs be safeguarded in the region and new jobs created? What innovations are necessary if agricultural enterprises in the region are to be strengthened in the long term? In order to answer these questions and to not only reinforce local change in the areas of technology and services, resource efficiency and sustainable digital agriculture but to also increase value creation in the region, the Fraunhofer IST is working together with the Fraunhofer IKTS and in close cooperation with Wirtschaftsregion Helmstedt GmbH on the development and establishment of an innovation center for measures which promote the transfer of knowledge and technology

Integrating high-performance solar cells directly into the vehicle roof enables both charging of the battery when the vehicle is parked and significant relief of the on-board network whilst driving. Due to the limited surface area available, solar modules with the highest possible efficiency are required for this application. They must also be manufactured cost-effectively, as well as fulfil visual design and geometric shaping requirements.

In the evaluative research project HySecunda, nine Fraunhofer institutes are pooling their expertise and working on practice-oriented, scalable technological and capacitive solutions for a market ramp-up of green hydrogen in the entire SADC region (Southern African Development Community). The focus is thereby being directed at the three key areas of “Education and training”, “Certification and market for green hydrogen and market development” and “Technologies for fundamental research”.

The Salzgitter Hydrogen Campus is to be supported by the city, state, industry and research partners and intends to create and secure long-term added value and employment in the region. With this, long-term sustainable business models, market-ready products, an industrial hydrogen infrastructure, and a training platform for specialists and managers are to be developed and implemented.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer IST in Braunschweig have developed a process with which they can not only produce transparent, conductive – and consequently heatable – films. Their surface films also provide a further decisive advantage: The outer film is of low emissivity. It therefore ensures that the windshield cools down much more slowly. This prevents condensation from forming. The windshield remains dry and ice-free.