RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB (coordinator) – Sweden

RISE is an independent, state-owned, non-profit research institute that in international collaboration with industry, academia and the public sector ensures the competitiveness of the business community and contribute to a sustainable society.

• 2800 employees
• Access to MAX IV & ESS
• Access to SEEL
• 120 test and demo facilities
• Battery centrum
• Coordinates 11 and participates in 120 Horizon projects

ROLE in PULSELiON

Project Coordinator
Lead Technical coordination & quality assurance
Lead Project Coordination: Internal communication and contractual, administrative, and financial project management
Lead Research knowledge and data management mechanism
Participate in Cathode material research and manufacturing
Participate in Definition of the final full cell chemistry
Participate in Process Validation of cells by testing
Participate in Safety testing of cells
Participate in Cooperation with other H2020&HEU projects, battery initiatives and EC agencies

Avesta Battery and Energy Engineering (ABEE) – Belgium

Avesta Battery & Energy Engineering (ABEE) is a dynamic engineering company based in Brussels and specialised in the field of battery processing, manufacturing, battery system design, prototyping, and recycling and in particular for advanced Li-ion and solid-state battery technology. ABEE is supporting the industry in the development of tailored made solutions from battery materials to recycling for automotive and stationary applications through the development of dedicated multi-scale simulation tools and functions embedded in different platforms. In addition, ABEE is setting up state-of-the-art battery manufacturing infrastructures and battery system design platforms.

ROLE in PULSELiON

ABEE’s role in the PULSELiON project will be on the manufacturing of cathode strips at the pilot line level, cell design of large cells (10Ah) as well as small (1Ah) and large cells (10Ah) assembly. In addition, the modelling team will work on the digital twin of the manufacturing process in the pilot line. ABEE will also play a crucial role in developing and demonstrating a sustainable recycling process for the produced and tested PULSELiON solid-state battery cells.

Centro Ricerche Fiat S.C.p.A.(CRF) – Italy

Centro Ricerche FIAT (CRF) is an industrial research organization having the mission to promote, develop and transfer innovation for providing competitiveness to the STELLANTIS group. With a full-time workforce of more than 850 highly trained professionals, CRF fulfils his task by focusing on the development of innovative products, implementation of innovative processes development of new methodologies and training of human resources. To properly cover a very wide technological spectrum, CRF has developed a global network with national and international institutes, private and public research organizations, universities and companies, through the promotion of common research activities, associations, conferences and seminars, and researchers’ mobility. CRF has been an active participant in national projects (MIUR, CNR, and Italian Ministry of the Environment), regional projects, the EUREKA programme and in over 200 projects with the R&D programmes of the European Union.

ROLE in PULSELiON

CRF will provide specification about the battery cells currently applied in the automotive field, helping to address the cell design definition. CRF will also participate to the electrical testing of the produced cells, providing performance evaluation methods developed for the automotive application and applying on them in order to assess the maturity of the technology developed.

University of Ljubljana – Slovenia

The University of Ljubljana is the oldest and largest higher education, scientific and research institution in Slovenia, ranking among the top 3% of universities in the world. It was founded in 1919. There are 23 faculties and three academies of art operating within the University. They work together with renowned universities from around the world and offer study programmes in all three cycles, in the fields of natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, medicine, and the arts. The University has more than 38.500 undergraduate and postgraduate students and approximately 5.800 higher education teachers, researchers, assistants and administrative staff.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is the oldest educational institution in the field of mechanical engineering. It was established in 1919 as one of the five founding members of the University of Ljubljana.

Becoming an Engineer is considered as one of the most creative professions in the world. The knowledge gained in our Faculty is indispensable in designing and manufacturing a wide range of modern products. Our Diploma holds an ASSIN/EU Engineer accreditation.

The Ljubljana Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FME) exists to create and disseminate knowledge that enables its students and research partners to competitively participate in the international scientific field and marketplace. We offer education at all three levels – undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level.

ROLE in PULSELiON

In the PULSELION project, UL participates in WP6 – Process Modelling and Digitalisation, where UL leads task 6.3. – Electrochemistry simulations. UL will develop multi-scale approach, which will consistently integrate results of the physics-based modelling of the cathode manufacturing process and the cell design and morphology to evaluate impact of the manufacturing process tolerances, uncertainties and variations as well as spread of cell parameters, as for example interfacial contacts, porosity field, loadings, particle size distribution, on the electrochemical output of the cell. Developed multi-scale model will, therefore, provide more consistent virtual assessment of the electrochemical performance of the battery as a function of parameters of the manufacturing process thereby providing invaluable feedback for optimization of parameters of the manufacturing process.

LRCS (CNRS/UPJV) – France

The LRCS (Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides) is a research laboratory pioneering energy storage and conversion. At LRCS over 140 scientists are working on state of the art and future batteries, photovoltaics and hydrogen storage technologies.

ROLE in PULSELiON

Physics-based modelling of the cathode manufacturing process. This task aims at developing and using physics-based models to describe the different steps along the wet processing of cathodes, namely the slurry mixing, the coating, the drying, and the calendering. The impact of formulation and solid content on the slurry viscosity and density will be assessed. Regarding the solvent evaporation, the impact of drying rate on the resulting electrode mesostructure will be investigated. Finally, the calendering simulations will be able to predict the impact of calendering pressure, temperature and roll speed on the electrode mesostructure. The resulting electrode mesostructures will be characterized in terms of structural parameters.

Surrogate modelling and optimization. Machine Learning (ML) models will be derived from the input/output datasets generated from the physics-based models of the slurry, the coating/drying and the calendering. These ML models will constitute surrogate versions of the physics-based models with the advantage of having much lower computational cost. The latter will allow generating large datasets particularly useful for the optimization of manufacturing process parameters (e.g. formulation, calendaring pressure).

Digital-twin of the manufacturing process integrated into the pilotline. The results of the ML models will be used as inputs of digital twins of the manufacturing process.

Pulsedeon OY – Finland

PULSEDEON is an SME developing processing solutions for materials to be utilized in next-generation batteries. In the core of the processing is Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technology and development of materials for battery solutions.

ROLE in PULSELiON

PULSEDEON has a key role in the project as PLD will be used to produce all the necessary layers composing the anode component: lithium metal, barrier layer, sulfide solid electrolyte, and protective layer. The processes for producing each layer will be defined, validated, and upscaled with support of the project partners.

CIC energiGUNE – Spain

CIC energiGUNE, member of the Basque research & Technology Alliance-BRTA, is a leading research centre in energy storage, specializing in batteries, thermal energy solutions and hydrogen technologies. In the 11 years of its existence, CIC energiGUNE has positioned itself as one of the main international benchmarks in the field and has become great reference centre in southern Europe in the energy storage area.

Since its launch in 2011, CIC energiGUNE has participated in 239 R&D projects which more than 30 are European, it has more than 700 scientific publications and has developed more than a hundred transference projects in collaboration with industry, contributing to increase the competitiveness of their products and services. For this purpose, CIC energiGUNE has several unique facilities, among which stands out its prototyping and testing infrastructures for electrochemical storage (including solid-state batteries in the automotive industry) and thermal storage.

ROLE in PULSELiON

The different activities to be performed in PULSELiON project by CIC energiGUNE are described below:

• In Work Package (WP) 2, CIC energiGUNE contributes to define the testing protocols for the small battery cells at 1 Ah.
• CIC energiGUNE is the coordinator of WP 3 towards the development of lab scale process and interphase optimization. The main activities of the WP3 are the optimization and development of different components of the cell (Li metal anode, sulfide electrolyte and NMC cathode) as well as the assemble of coin cells and monolayers (40 mAh). Likewise, the acquired know-how in this WP will be transferred to WP4 and WP5 for the upscaling to small (1 Ah) and large (10 Ah) pouch cells.
• In WP4, CIC energiGUNE will validate the quality and homogeneity of the anode produced by Pulse Laser Deposition (PLD) manufacturing in roll format. Within this WP, CIC energiGUNE will also assemble small pouch cells (1 Ah) and define the design of mechanical cell holder for the pressure cell
• The electrochemical performance of small pouch cells (1 Ah) will be evaluated in the WP5

Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) – Spain

The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) is participating in this project by means of CMT Institute. CMT is a research institute belonging to the UPV specialized in thermal processes and fluid dynamics that has more than 100 people. For more than 40 years, CMT has conducted applied studies to optimize the behavior of industrial systems and assist in their development, as well as basic research to better understand the relevant physical processes involved. From deep scientific knowledge to applied problems in the automotive, aerospace, rail, and marine industries, CMT combines experimental tests carried out in state-of-the-art facilities and theoretical studies supported by high-performance computational tools, providing relevant results from a technical and scientific point of view.

ROLE in PULSELiON

The main activities of UPV group in this project are related to the experimental testing of the new cells. In particular, UPV will lead the tasks concerning the process validation of the cells and testing of the cells under abuse conditions to evaluate the safety of the final prototype/demonstrator cells.

AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH – Austria

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is Austria’s largest non-university research institute. With its seven Centers, AIT regards itself as a highly specialised research and development partner for industry. Its researchers focus on the key infrastructure issues of the future: Energy, Health & Bioresources, Digital Safety & Security, Vision, Automation & Control, Low-Emission Transport, Technology Experience and Innovation Systems & Policy. Throughout the whole of Austria – in particular at the main locations Vienna Giefinggasse, Seibersdorf, Wiener Neustadt, Ranshofen and Leoben – around 1,400 employees carry out research on the development of those tools, technologies and solutions that will keep Austria’s economy fit for the future in line with our motto “Tomorrow Today”.

ROLE in PULSELiON

AIT works on research and development of tools, methods, and technologies for key industrial and public institutions’ infrastructure.

Within this ambition PULSELION project related to the solid-state battery with sulfide-based electrolyte, high energy density cathode materials, and advanced lithium metal anode, AIT will support with their expertise in interface modification of battery components and small and large scale cell fabrication by wet chemistry cathode and electrolyte formulations, the physicochemical and electrochemical characterization of battery components and cell in general on the subject of safety and aging point of view for further improvement of the PULSELION cells.

Universidade do Porto (Faculdade de Engenharia) – Portugal

With origins dating back to the eighteenth century, the University of Porto (UPORTO) is currently one the most prestigious Higher Education Institutions of Europe. It has close to 31 000 students, 2 061 teaching staff and researchers along with 1 658 administrative staff within its 15 schools and 51 scientific research units, spread across 3 university campuses located in the city of Porto.

The Faculty of Engineering (FEUP) is the largest faculty of UPORTO, with about 7 887 students and 779 teaching staff and researchers across 9 departments. It is located in the Asprela Campus, the main university campus in the city of Porto. FEUP is in the heart of Porto Innovation District and is the engine behind the success of The Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto, UPTEC, the winner of the 2013 European Region Stars Award for Smart Growth.

Under Horizon 2020, FEUP is already partner in 35 funded projects and is the coordinator of 10 other funded projects. FEUP is also a third party in the projects ANSWER, EMSODEV, IN2TRACK and mcBEEs.
Under Horizon Europe (2021 – 2027), FEUP is a partner in 3 projects which are to kick off in 2022 (OPENZDM, PULSELiON and ADOreD).
Concerning other international funds, since 2014 until the present day, FEUP has also been very successful in programmes such as: EEA Grants (3 funded projects as coordinator and 5 as partner), COST (1 Coordinated action, 11 actions as Partner), ECHO (2 projects funded as Partner), CEF (1 project funded as Partner), Interreg (1 project funded as Coordinator, 10 projects funded as Partner), ERA-NET (3 projects funded as Coordinator and 10 projects funded as Partner), RFCS (2 projects funded as Partner, FASTCOLD and DESDEMONA), UCPM (2 projects funded as Partner, LODE, PROCULTHER-NET) and EIT Manufacturing (participation in 5 projects as coordinator and in 9 projects as partner). Furthermore, FEUP is the coordinator of a pilot project of EIT HEI Initiative – Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education (INVENTHEI).

FEUP is also helping to turn the northern region of Portugal into a centre for innovation. Since 2014, FEUP was Co-financed in over 25 M€ by the European Regional Development Fund, spreading modern, structural change across the north of Portugal, FEUP is demonstrating how active universities in previously poorer regions of Europe can lead the move to smart growth.

ROLE in PULSELiON

UPORTO will perform electrochemical and characterization studies on WP3 and WP5 in small, all-solid-state cells such as coin and small pouch cells.
UPORTO will also participate in the dissemination of the results of the project.

INEGI Instituto de Ciencia E Inovacao em Engenharia Mecanica E Engenharia Industrial – Portugal

INEGI is an industry-oriented Research and Technology Organization (RTO) with an organizational structure based on three pillars of activity: research with applied focus, innovation and technology transfer and consulting and advanced engineering and training services. INEGI has an active presence in the main European and National technology platforms and initiatives, specifically in EARTO, EFFRA, EARPA, ESA, ACARE and Vanguard Initiative. For years, INEGI has focused on studying the life cycle assessment (LCA) aspects of the products and complex systems it develops using advanced processes and economic-based methodologies. Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Material Flow Cost Analysis (MFCA) are also the focus of the team, often combining knowledge from dissimilar methodologies for hybrid approaches. INEGI has conducted sustainability research and eco-design of products and systems, even developing its own assessment methodologies, such as MSM – Multi-Layer Stream Mapping and SymbioSPOTS (in cooperation with Univ. Cambridge).

ROLE in PULSELiON

Mature a Digital Data Platform (DDP) for the economic and environmental data from WP3, WP5 and WP6, to digitalize this information and streamline the inventories for the LCA and Cost Modelling;
Provide comprehensive and iterative Life Cycle Assessment studies on the developed techniques and small- and large-scale battery cells and quantify their environmental performance;
Develop economic models for the manufacturing processes and solid-state cells in terms of production and use, considering their capability for recycling and recovery of critical material.

PNO Innovation – Belgium

PNO Consultants has been at the heart of Europe’s vital sectors for over two decades. Through our experts’ intimate knowledge of the fields we operate in, and hundreds of real life projects, we engage daily in promoting and stimulating innovations in Agro Food, Bioeconomy, Chemistry, Education & Labour, Energy, Environment & Circular Economy, ICT, Life Sciences & Health, Transport and Water. We are dedicated to ensuring the growth and durability of these sectors. Take a look at our vision, projects, activities and experts.

ROLE in PULSELiON

PNO is the WP 8 C,D&E leader and PNO is also supporting the coordinator in the management activities in WP1. More specifically, in WP8 PNO is responsible for the cooperation and liaison activities of Pulselion with other European funded projects, this will include clusters, webinars, and other types of events. PNO will also develop the exploitation road map and final exploitation plan, together with a business plan.

TechConcepts B.V. – the Netherlands

TechConcepts B.V. is specialised in supplying project management and consultancy services in the field of European research projects and innovation activities. We build strong partnerships and create winning innovation projects, innovative concepts and propositions. We assist our clients with technology roadmapping, strategy building and market analysis.

We focus on the sustainable mobility and energy sector. The founders of TechConcepts have been involved in numerous research and innovation projects, mainly during the FP7, H2020 and HEU work programmes and have led multiple framework service contracts for DG GROWTH and DG CLIMA of the European Commission.

ROLE in PULSELiON

TechConcepts will be responsible for the communication and dissemination activities of the PULSELiON project, to ensure the results reach the right stakeholder and to create impact. TechConcepts will also contribute to the development of the Business Model and the Exploitation plan, together with PNO Consultants.

IKERLAN S. Coop. – Spain

IKERLAN is a leading knowledge transfer technological centre providing competitive value to companies. We seek for excellence in R&D&i, thanks to the continuous adaptation to the needs of our customers and the proximity with the business reality. Faithful to our mission, we have been working daily since 1974 to develop solutions that allow our customers to become more and more competitive. We are a cooperative member of the MONDRAGON Corporation and the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA).
Thanks to a unique cooperation model, which combines technology transfer activities, internal research and training of highly qualified personnel, IKERLAN is currently the trusted technological partner of major companies in the country. To meet our goal, we are structured in two technological specialisation units:

• ELECTRONICS, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
• ENERGY AND MECHATRONICS

ROLE in PULSELiON

In PULSELION, IKERLAN will design and develop a module that can prove that the integration of the new cells can be done in a safe and optimal manner, taking developed technology in PULSELION to a higher level system close to the european industry needs. Control, pressure, thermal and safety requirements will be taken into account, providing a higher TRL level demonstrator.