Innovative methodology for battery testing

The battery sector is experiencing rapid growth, mainly due to the push of European environmental and mobility policies. Batteries also find countless applications in many sectors, from shipping to telecommunications, from automotive to wearable devices. Technological innovation, however, does not always keep pace with market needs and the speed of demand.

In fact, growth and innovation in the battery industry are often hampered by expensive and time-consuming protocols and testing, requiring large numbers of samples and sophisticated infrastructure. To give an example, a battery concept generated in 2023 could reach the production stage in 2032, as the performance, aging, and safety characteristics of the designed battery must be evaluated through lengthy trial-and-error tests.

The European project THOR, launched in Grenoble in June 2023, aims to shorten the timeframe, reduce the number of physical tests and promote innovation in battery design by developing a virtual tool – a so-called digital twin – that simulates battery behaviour. The project will target mobility and stationary applications and focus on commonly used battery chemistries (accounting for 60 percent of the market share by 2030).

“THOR’s challenge is high, but so is the project’s innovative contribution” says Chiara Locuratolo, Communication Officer in ICONS. “Communication and dissemination activities will play a crucial role in informing society about developments in this highly topical and studied field. Bringing out the digital and technological innovation of the project will certainly be a great communication challenge, but also the most interesting aspect”.

The consortium draws on entities from the industry, institute, and academia sector with high world-wide excellence in the fields of battery engineering and development, energy and innovation.

For further information on the project, contact Chiara Locuratolo, Communication manager.