Imagine printing a custom cooling system and safety sensors directly onto a battery, like adding a high-tech skin. This prevents batteries from overheating and catching fire while making them last longer. It also makes the battery casing lighter and easier to take apart for recycling when it's worn out.
Electric vehicle batteries suffer from safety risks like thermal runaway and are often too heavy or difficult to recycle. Current cooling and casing methods are often rigid and not optimized for different cell chemistries.
A set of 7 'Building Blocks' including 3D printed micro-channels for cooling, in-operando sensors for H2 detection, multi-functional busbars, and lightweight self-reinforced polymer casings.
If you are an EV manufacturer dealing with battery overheating and fire risks — this project developed 3D printed micro-channels and fire-resistant casings that prevent fire from leaving the module during thermal runaway. This increases battery density by 5% and improves overall safety.
If you are an electric aircraft developer dealing with strict weight limits and safety regulations — this project developed self-reinforced polymer casings that lower weight without losing the ability to contain thermal runaway. This ensures high performance while maintaining critical safety standards.
If you are a ship builder dealing with massive battery packs that are hard to maintain — this project developed new busbar designs that allow for easy and safe dismantling and remanufacturing. This reduces the long-term cost of battery replacement and recycling.
Based on available project data, the project aims to decrease costs and reach the cost targets set by the Batteries Europe 2030 KPIs.
The project uses 2D/3D printing techniques and is being validated at TRL5 with prototypes for automotive and aeronautics, suggesting a path toward industrial scaling.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project involves 6 industrial partners and 3 SMEs who are developing the technical building blocks.
The project develops self-reinforced polymers and new busbar designs specifically to allow for easy dismantling and a higher recycling rate.
The project period runs from 2023-05-01 to 2026-04-30, with TRL5 validation planned for key applications.
The project is heavily industry-driven with a 60% industry ratio, comprising 6 industrial partners (including 3 SMEs) and 12 Advisory Board members. This strong commercial presence, combined with 3 research organizations and 1 university across 5 European countries, indicates a high focus on practical application and market viability rather than pure theory.
Contact the Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) in France.
Contact us to connect with the VERSAPRINT consortium for licensing 3D printed battery safety components.
