The increasing demand lithium-ion batteries in individual formats is currently offset by rigidly interlinked production lines. A central process step in battery cell production is stack assembly: the alternating fitting together of electrodes (anode, cathode) and separator to form a stack. The automation technologies used here, usually involving robots and grippers, limit throughput due to the high number of pick-and-place operations and are often designed for a single cell format. Researchers at the wbk Institute of Production Science are responding to the desire for more flexibility with a new system concept for cell stacking. The redesigned EXINOS production system consists of four machine parts with the core functions of cathode and anode singulation, separator handling and folding. In combination with movable axes, cutting tools, vacuum rollers and sensors, the system is able to process the material from the coil precisely and without damage. Electrode and separator sheets of variable lengths (from 100 millimetres) are automatically cut and stacked. The width can be varied via the coil width. The electrode sheets are fixed to the separator with adhesive dots during the process. The stacking position of the individual sheets is flexible so that cells can be produced in many different dimensions (length/width/height). The EXINOS plant concept allows the cell format to be changed quickly and easily without changing tools. A prototype demonstration plant has been set up at the institute. KIT is looking for partners for application-specific development projects and the use of the process.
You can get an overview of this technology at KIT stand. More details can be exchanged individually with the responsible scientific employees of KIT after the industry fair.
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