Partners in the "FoFeBat" project

The Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT will develop and optimize system solutions for a state-of-the-art manufacturing line, focusing its efforts specifically on the fields of process technology, production machines, production quality, metrology and technology management. Fraunhofer IPT coordinates the "FoFeBat" project and thus plays a leading role in supporting the establishment and the growth of the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT conducts basic and development research into electrochemical energy storage units. It supports the "FoFeBat" project in the development of a suitable electrode design and of a waste disposal concept for obsolete, defective and safety-critical cells. Fraunhofer ICT is also responsible for the design and the construction of the second production line for prismatic hardcase and pouch cells, having been assigned to organize the manufacture of electrodes and prototype cells. On top of that, Fraunhofer ICT is in charge of defining the requirements for the cells’ safety properties and for developing as well as validating the safety test protocols for pouch and prismatic cells.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials Research IFAM is one of Europe’s foremost independent research institutions in the areas of adhesive bonding, surface technology, forming processes and functional materials. Based on many years of experience in the application of polymers and inorganic materials for the purpose of energy storage in the development of process technologies for industrial-scale battery cell production lines, Fraunhofer IFAM will be supporting the "FoFeBat" project’s Cell Concept Development team by designing appropriate battery cell production processes.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF will be closely coordinating its research activities into battery cell business models, factory design and factory management with the other institutes that are involved in the "FoFeBat" project. Within the project, Fraunhofer IFF is mainly responsible for the implementation of the plan to develop a digital twin of the factory structure.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV is supporting the battery cell research mainly through its experience and expertise in the field of processing technology. In the "FoFeBat" project, it will be mainly in charge of developing factory design and evaluation processes, production management systems, systems engineering and control technology. Fraunhofer IGCV will also be assigned to provide plans for the facility’s internal logistics and for the outline of Production Line 1. i.e. the production of electrodes and the round cell assembly.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS will support the "FoFeBat" project by assisting the development of cell concepts. Based on its skills and experience in the fields of materials research and electrochemistry, Fraunhofer IKTS will – in close cooperation with its partners – develop new cell designs. On top of that, the Institute will also be assigned to draft procurement plans for suitable electrode production equipment. The Fraunhofer IKTS research team will focus on the development of inline-capable quality assurance systems for the battery cell production, for example battery slurry tests and processes for monitoring the drying process.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA will focus on the structural and technological challenges of the production process. It has been assigned to develop appropriate methods, components and equipment and to combine them into fully integrated machines and facilities. Fraunhofer IPA will support the development of the "FoFeBat" project in fields such as technology selection, factory design, business process development and digitalization.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE is involved in several topics along the value chain of battery cell production: To achieve high energy and resource efficiency on the building and production side, the Institute is working on the design and layout of the building and plant engineering parameters of the research factory. It is also developing an innovative energy and building automation concept. In order to optimally connect different production plants in the battery cell manufacturing process, Fraunhofer ISE is developing digital concepts. The institute optimizes the production process of battery cells in the areas of formation as well as quality assurance during production and final inspection. In addition, the Institute deals with the safety optimization of battery cells and economic issues of battery cell production.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI has been assigned to develop and implement a continuous strategic process for the "FoFeBat" project that will guarantee a smooth project launch, the project’s long-term success and a positive impact on the entire battery ecosystem. For this purpose, Fraunhofer ISI will develop planning instruments to assist the management of the project in their task of designing and optimizing their business model and range of services.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology ISIT (based in Itzehoe) is one of Europe’s foremost research institutions for micro-electronics and micro-systems technology. The Fraunhofer ISIT’s prime assets are its clean room facilities which are not only large enough for research purposes but which can even accommodate an industrial-scale production line for the newly designed micro-chips.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC is privileged to combine first-rate expertise in materials science with long-standing experience in materials processing, application and analysis. It focuses on industrially applicable solutions for affordable health care and regenerative therapies, resource and energy efficiency, sustainability and circular economy.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO works together with companies and public-sector bodies and institutions to develop strategies, business models and solutions for digital transformation. The institute’s goal is to systematically optimize the ways in which people, organizations and technology interact.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU is specialized in the research and development of production engineering. The focus is on the entire factory with its components, processes, methods, and the associated complex machine systems. Future trend topics such as cognitive production systems, consistent linking of production plants, and artificial intelligence play an important role in the Institute’s research. 

The Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS develops system solutions with laser applications, functionalized surfaces and material and process innovations. Its scientific expertise focuses on the technology fields of Additive Manufacturing and Printing, Joining, Laser Ablation and Cutting, Microtechnology, PVD and Nanotechnology, Chemical and Thermal Surface Technology such as Materials Testing and Characterization.

The Fraunhofer Academy is the provider for continuing education at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and passes on current research knowledge and competencies of the Fraunhofer Institutes to companies in order to create the conditions for a new culture of innovation in companies for an economically successful future. The content portfolio covers the subject areas Technology and Innovation, Energy and Sustainability, Information and Communications, Manufacturing and Testing Technology, Logistics and Production and Life Science. The Fraunhofer Academy supports the set-up of  the "FoFeBat" project by creating a learning lab and a comprehensive advanced training curriculum.

The MEET Battery Research Center at University of Münster is one of the foremost battery research centres in Germany and one of the main drivers of international top-level research. The MEET team's main areas of expertise for the "FoFeBat" project are materials science, battery cell technology and production, production technology and systems, battery cell analytics, and the value-added cycle of batteries. The extensive competences in the field of cell production are complemented by expertise in the optimisation and upscaling of cell production processes.

The Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) at RWTH Aachen University has been involved in the implementation of the "FoFeBat" project since its earliest stage. As experienced partners, PEM experts support the establishment of the "FoFeBat" project and – together with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft – develop essential content in strategy and technology development as well as in building and production planning. Furthermore, PEM provides support in communication with current and future industrial partners.

Forschungszentrum Jülich conducts research to provide comprehensive solutions to the grand challenges facing society in the fields of energy and environment, information and brain research. It continues to develop simulation and data sciences as a key method of research and uses large scientific infrastructures, often unique worldwide. As a partner for Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, it contributes its extensive knowledge in electrochemistry and materials science in the "FoFeBat" project. In addition, it also provides its outstanding expertise in the pioneering topic of solid-state batteries.

The Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) is one of the leading European research institutes for renewable energy sources and energy storage technologies. It is involved in the development of the "FoFeBat" project as part of the production of prototype prismatic hardcase cells.

The Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology (IWF) of TU Braunschweig incorporates two research fields: production technology and process automation and sustainable manufacturing and life-cycle engineering. The IWF will support the development of the "FoFeBat" project around the topic of measurement technology for the production facilities.