VoltaViewAfrica is focussing on new sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology for both stationary and mobile storage solutions.
In contrast to conventional lithium-ion battery technology (LIB), SIBs are characterised by improved electrochemical properties, but also by sustainability during production and subsequent recycling. SIB cells have recently become commercially available in large quantities and have been successfully tested by the Fraunhofer HHI in its battery test laboratories. The results show a cycling stability of up to 5,000 cycles, are insensitive to deep discharge and operation at low and high temperatures is clearly uncritical compared to LIB.
The Fraunhofer HHI has developed a sustainable, maintenance-friendly and intelligent energy storage system based on sodium-ion cell chemistry. Instead of fixed welded connections, prefabricated polymer films with integrated nickel conductor tracks are used to electrically connect the individual SIB cells. In addition, an optical sensor film is provided between the pressure plate and the conductor track film, which monitors the individual cells and in particular the contact points for critical temperature developments (e.g. hotspots). In the event of contact problems or a defective cell, increased contact resistance leads to a significant rise in temperature, which is detected by the embedded sensor foil. The sensor foil transmits this additional diagnosis with an integrated and intelligent IoT system for predictive maintenance. Defective cells and contact points can thus be easily identified and replaced in good time.
The entire system is patented 2025011012073400EN.
