Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Battery technology

Kontaktierte 18650-Batteriezellen. — © Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.
Laser micro joining allows batteries to be contacted precisely and quickly.

The increasing electrification of automobiles requires high-performance energy storage systems – both stationary and mobile. The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT designs complete process chains with highly efficient laser processes for the construction of battery modules or battery packs – from producing battery cells to contacting battery packs. Cell types of various designs are used, such as 18650 round cells, prismatic cells or pouch cells.

Thin film process (drying, sintering)

The production costs for battery cells must be significantly reduced in order to introduce competitive electrical energy storage systems to the mass market.

To accomplish this, the institute is substituting conventional oven processes with innovative laser processes, a promising approach, especially since the compact design of the lasers significantly reduces the required space that the oven takes. Another area of application for lasers is the sintering of solid-state electrolytes.

Laser cutting and separating

For the large-area separation of layer stacks for cathodes and anodes, individual battery cells must be separated from the coated substrate. Laser cutting processes can be used to separate the coated battery foils without creating short circuits.

This maximizes the yield of battery cells from a coated carrier material. Raw materials are thus used more efficiently, and battery cells can be separated with greater flexibility.

Connecting cells to battery systems

Laser beam microwelding joins battery cells into modules and packs and ensures a stable long-term connection with low electrical resistance. Innovative laser welding techniques, such as the use of high-brilliance beam sources like fiber lasers, make it possible to control the connection shape and the mixing ratio of the materials to be joined.

As a result, various materials can be combined, from aluminum-copper to copper-steel, for different cell types. This method is suitable for producing modules and large battery packs as well as reliable electrical and mechanical connections between individual cells.

Use our infrastructure

Further information about our battery lab

Equipment