• Experience, understand, and use batteries: in the award-winning seminar »Spotlight Lithium-Ion-Battery«
• Practical and award-winning: experience battery cell production for yourself
• Flexible learning and lasting understanding: discover battery systems digitally

Jan-Darius Plöpst and Laurenz Bäsecke, research assistants at Fraunhofer FFB in the »Cell Design« group, were awarded silver in the category »Classic Training« for their ELLB training seminar »Spotlight Lithium-Ion-Battery«. The didactic concept not only conveys the basics and in-depth knowledge of modern lithium-ion battery cells, but also enables participants to gain in-depth insights into the structure and function of various cell types, such as prismatic cells, round cells, and pouch cells, with the help of interactive units and realistic applications.

Participants work together to identify the advantages and disadvantages of cell types as well as the structure and functions of individual components. A wide variety of cell exhibits and illustrative materials are used to further deepen understanding. This hands-on experience provides a direct look inside the cell and makes even complex structures clear and tangible. The functions and materials of the specific components are examined together with the participants and presented in a visually concise manner, providing a clear and memorable overview. Practical, playful elements ensure that the knowledge learned is firmly anchored in the mind. Interactive repetition not only keeps the knowledge and not forgotten. Interactive repetition not only helps retain the knowledge, but also allows it to be actively applied and consolidated. In addition, the application-oriented approach sharpens the view of the big picture: The costs of a battery cell are broken down in a comprehensible manner in the seminar, and alternative battery technologies such as ASSB or sodium-ion batteries are compared and analyzed. »Only those who are familiar with the diversity of cell technologies will be able to classify future developments«, emphasizes Laurenz Bäsecke.

Regular summaries and a personal learning journal accompany the entire process. Here, participants can record their findings, note down questions, and reflect on their learning progress. In this way, challenging topics relating to different battery formats, their areas of application, performance indicators, and key interrelationships are conveyed in a comprehensible, lively, and practical manner. Participants are actively involved, immediately applying the knowledge they have gained and thereby developing a deep, lasting understanding of lithium-ion-battery technology.

Dr. Jan-Paul Brinkmann, research associate in the Process Engineering group at Fraunhofer FFB, also received a silver award. He was honored in the category »Methods for Trainings & Co.« for the practical methods used in his seminar »Experiencing the Battery Cell Manufacturing Process«.

The format offers practical insights into the manufacture of high-performance battery cells and clearly shows how the individual production steps interlock. It is divided into three methodological areas – electrode production, cell assembly, and cell finalization – and thus clearly illustrates the entire cell manufacturing process. Participants first receive a concise introduction to each area from the trainer. They then apply what they have learned directly in hands-on exercises. This makes mixing and coating tangible and easy to understand with the help of simple everyday materials. From slurry production to coating and complex drying, participants go through the process themselves – always supported by our trainer, illustrative material, and real material samples. 

This personal experience of the manufacturing steps helps to consolidate knowledge in the long term. Playful repetition and joint reflection also help participants to understand and classify the different versions of the steps and to develop their own professional opinion. The learning objectives are clearly defined: Participants should know and understand the process steps involved in battery cell production, comprehend the tasks and functions of the respective systems, and be able to confidently classify the requirements for each step. This gives them a high-quality overview of all relevant stages – from dosing, mixing, coating, and drying to calendering, slitting, and vacuum drying, to the equipment and requirements of cell assembly and finalization steps such as soaking, forming, degassing, and aging. With this comprehensive insight into electrode manufacturing, assembly, and finalization, participants gain in-depth knowledge of essential manufacturing techniques and process control. The interactive hands-on elements enable them to build a deep understanding both cognitively and haptically, ensuring lasting learning outcomes and genuine enjoyment of learning. The effective combination of theory and practice, as well as the use of real materials and steps, makes a complex manufacturing process tangible, understandable, and immediately experienceable. 

Another outstanding award went to Maximilian Neuner from Fraunhofer IGCV. He received bronze in the category »Pure Online Training« for his seminar »Introduction Battery Systems«. The training seminar, which is methodologically and didactically versatile in its preparation and design, combines technology and training in the context of a live online seminar offered by ELLB. Participants receive a clearly structured overview of the central components of a battery module and the production process. In addition, the components of a battery pack are explained in an understandable way, including insights into current technological developments and innovative system approaches.

Of course, essential knowledge about safety components such as cooling systems, sensor technology, and propagation protection is also a must. »Safety components are the invisible backbone of every battery system. Without them, power cannot be accessed reliably or responsibly«, explains Maximilian Neuner. Participants apply their newly acquired knowledge directly in practical application examples and group work. They analyze real-life scenarios, compare modules in terms of performance and cell type, and identify challenges and criteria for safe and efficient production. Interactive knowledge checks, ranging from online quizzes to puzzle elements, ensure that what has been learned is reinforced and consolidated in an entertaining way. Thanks to the modern and motivating training concept, content on the basics, structure, and safety-related aspects of a battery system is conveyed in a lasting, effective, and completely digital way. This creates a lively learning experience that strengthens participants' technical knowledge and inspires them at the same time. And all this online, flexibly, regardless of location, and yet practical.

The awards for the training concepts of the ELLB at Fraunhofer FFB send a clear signal to the industry: Fraunhofer FFB impresses not only with its excellent applied research, but also with its high-quality, application-oriented training courses in various areas of battery technology. Our trainers are technically skilled and always up to date – not least because of their proximity to the research infrastructure and the opportunity to directly apply and test newly acquired knowledge. Now they have been recognized by an independent jury of experts for their outstanding teaching skills. This combination of scientific theory, practical applicability, and didactically valuable knowledge transfer is unique and a clear added value for all participants. The award-winning formats show how modern didactics, practical methodology, and scientific expertise can work together to train specialists effectively, motivatingly, and with real learning gains.