Upcycling Lithium-Ion Batteries: a Use Case

Abstract

The need for cost-effective and flexible solutions to compose the distributed energy storage makes second-life lithium-ion batteries (SLIB) a discussed option. The SLIB is a lithium-ion battery used in an energy/power-intensive first application (automotive) that still retains important performance characteristics to have a second-life application. SLIBs can represent an opportunity to meet this demand and an option for residential and off-grid applications, presenting competitive cost advantages over new batteries. However, their application within the current state of the art still needs to overcome several challenges to become technically and economically viable. In the framework of the POCITYF project (GA 864400), a prototype of a SLIB from the company betteries AMPS GmbH has been tested at the University of Évora, connected to the existing experimental microgrid through a commercial inverter. This work aims to contribute to the state of the art of SLIB technology, providing insights into their electrical performance and presenting technical key performance indicators in a real-operational environment. This enables the further finetuning and validation of the product, reaching a higher TRL. This work aims to improve technology acceptance by demonstrating safety and reliability under real operating conditions and promoting the ease of installation and operation of these technologies.