As part of our series of interviews of partners, let's get to know Watt4Ever a bit better.
What were the reasons for Watt4Ever to join an EU-funded research project such as FREE4LIB?
In our daily business, Watt4Ever is focused on the engineering, development, and manufacturing of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We identified a need to enhance our knowledge of battery life-cycle management, which is essential for improving performance, safety, and sustainability. Being part of FREE4LIB has provided us with the opportunity to engage in research and collaborate closely with key players in the European battery industry. This collaboration fosters knowledge sharing, accelerates innovation, and keeps us at the forefront of the rapidly evolving battery technology landscape. Additionally, our participation allows us to align our processes with emerging European regulations and sustainability goals, ensuring that we stay competitive and environmentally responsible.
Your work in Work Package 2, where you focus on Advanced State-of-Health Assessment and second life battery assembly is coming to an end. Can you tell us a bit more about your achievements there?
In WP2, we focused on developing advanced methodologies for accurately assessing the SoH of second life batteries. We defined a range of algorithms to calculate and predict the remaining capacity and overall health of second-life batteries, which is crucial for their repurposing in new applications. These algorithms are based on real-time monitoring data, historical usage patterns, and predictive analytics. Moreover, we made significant progress in the assembly of second-life BESS units, which are now in the final stages of manufacturing. These systems are designed to optimize the use of second-life batteries while maintaining high safety and performance standards. Our work will contribute to extending the life cycle of lithium-ion batteries and reducing waste.
Watt4Ever is also closely collaborating with Eurecat on developing and validating robot-dismantling tasks of LIBs. What range of expertise from Watt4Ever is applied there?
Our collaboration with Eurecat leverages our extensive experience in manual dismantling processes for battery packs from EVs. We provided critical input on safe and efficient dismantling techniques, identifying key challenges and best practices. This hands-on expertise was instrumental in helping Eurecat design and validate robot-assisted dismantling processes that can handle various battery formats and chemistries. We also shared insights on mitigating risks associated with thermal runaway and battery cell damage during disassembly, ensuring that the robotic systems meet both safety and operational efficiency criteria.
Watt4Ever is among the partners involved in the evaluation of the different recycling process from a technical and economic point of view and contributing to the life-cycle assessment of such processes. What is the input of Watt4Ever in such tasks?
Watt4Ever also uses their expertise to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of various recycling processes for LIBs. We contribute data and insights for LCA, helping to evaluate the environmental impact of different recycling pathways from cradle to grave. Our expertise in BESS manufacturing and second-life applications allows us to highlight opportunities for improvement in closed-loop recycling systems, with a focus on minimizing carbon footprints and reducing raw material dependency.
Tell us a bit more about Watt4Ever:
Watt4Ever is an innovative company specializing in the engineering, development, and manufacturing of BESS employing EVs second-life battery packs, with a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. We are committed to advancing second-life battery applications, improving battery life-cycle management, and contributing to cutting-edge research in battery dismantling and recycling. Our goal is to enable a more sustainable energy future through high-performance, eco-friendly energy storage solutions.
For more information on Watt4Ever: https://watt4ever.be/about-us/
