The project with the acronym BatteryX, 'Smart Battery Screening for Safety', focuses on the increasing need for advanced diagnostic methods to ensure the safety, reliability, and durability of batteries. The project aims to detect internal defects such as lithium plating and cell swelling, which pose safety risks. Current electrical testing methods fall short in identifying these hidden issues, creating a need for more rigorous and non-destructive testing solutions.

BatteryX employs innovative diagnostic techniques, including X-ray computed tomography (CT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), to enable comprehensive, multi-layered safety assessments. These tools reveal internal battery conditions without dismantling, allowing proactive detection of potential failures before they escalate into safety incidents. This approach not only enhances battery safety but also extends battery life, contributing to a more sustainable lifecycle.

Key partners — TNO, INNER, EcarACCU, and DURAPOWER — collaborate to provide specialized expertise and resources. TNO oversees project implementation, using bespoke methodologies like X-ray imaging. INNER brings expertise in large-scale battery scanning, DURAPOWER contributes battery cell performance knowledge, and EcarACCU supplies second-life battery storage samples. This team supports a unified safety framework that addresses current and future regulatory requirements.

BatteryX’s core objectives are to develop and validate methods to detect lithium plating and cell swelling, ensure compliance with evolving safety standards, and implement a demonstrator system integrating diagnostic tools. The project ultimately strives to set new industry standards in battery safety, reliability, and circularity by supporting reuse, refurbishing, and repurposing applications. Through these advancements, BatteryX enhances the Netherlands' market position in battery diagnostics and aligns with national and international goals for sustainable energy solutions.