Stationary Energy Storage Systems

Stationary energy storage systems are an essential component for stable power supply from renewable energies. In the future, a variety of new battery technologies will be required to meet all technical and economic needs. An important motivation here is the development of sustainable batteries from ethically and ecologically responsible raw materials and processes. The department therefore focuses on sodium- and potassium-based batteries with ceramic solid electrolytes. We develop cell concepts for applications at room temperature (solid state and all solid state) as well as at elevated temperatures (NaS, Na-NiCl₂) – systematically developed from the material to the prototype cell. The necessary infrastructure is available in a technical center, allowing the development and production of materials, components, and cells using industry-standard equipment and processes.

A stable and sustainable power supply is also essential for electrochemical processes in environmental and process engineering. Fraunhofer IKTS develops electrodes, catalysts, and flow cells for this purpose. A particular focus here is on gas diffusion electrodes for a wide range of applications.

Services offered

Batteries for stationary power storage

• Synthesis of solid-state ion conductors (sodium ß"-aluminate) and production of tubular and planar solid electrolytes in quantities of up to several thousand and in industry-relevant sizes
• Cell development for high-temperature sodium batteries such as Na-NiCl₂ and NaS, including the production of prototypes in industry-relevant sizes in small series
• Synthesis of sodium ion active material (LTMO) and transfer of the powder to electrodes and button or pouch cells
• Cell testing at room temperature (sodium ions) and temperatures up to 350 °C (for NaS and Na-NiCl₂)
• Technology and process evaluation, market analysis, and consulting on individual issues

Electrodes and flow cells for electrochemical processes

• Development of catalytically activated electrodes and gas diffusion electrodes for electrochemical processes in flow cells
• Design and manufacture of laboratory flow cells, integration of electrodes, and electrochemical characterization

Manufacture of functional ceramic samples

• Preparation (mixing, calcination, spray granulation) of ceramic powders
• Shaping of simple to complex components by cold plastic extrusion, uniaxial and isostatic pressing, including green machining
• Manufacture of samples in small series