Lithium-Ion Batteries
Li-ion batteries have become indispensable in the era of personal electronics such as tablets and smartphones. In e-mobility, Li-ion battery technology is the main growth factor nowadays. Efficient energy storage solutions based on lithium are continuously being optimized and will take e-mobility in electric vehicles, to the next level through lower production costs and increased mileage. In the production and during quality test of Li-ion batteries the utilization of vacuum is essential.
Mixing:
When mixing the slurry for the electrodes of the cell, it is necessary to avoid the introduction of gas bubbles. With the help of vacuum, air pockets inside the slurry can be prevented/ inhibited and thus a homogeneous slurry can be produced.
Vacuum Drying:
Drying the coated electrodes under vacuum guarantees minimum residual moisture. Afterwards the electrodes are prepared for the next production step, often in a dry and tempered room.
Electrolyte Filling:
When filling the cell, the electrolyte is introduced via a high-precision dosing lance under vacuum. By applying a defined pressure profile by alternating evacuation and inert gas purge of the cell the capillary effect is activated which leads to homogeneous distribution of the electrolyte. By this optimized wetting process quality and lifetime of the cell is increased.
Formation:
During formation of battery cells, a strong gas evolution occurs during the first charging process of the cell. Under a protective atmosphere in vacuum, the emitting gases will be extracted. Due to the toxicity and sometimes explosive risk nature of those gases, customer specific requirements on vacuum technology have to be taken into account.
Leak Detection:
In order to ensure long-term performance and safe operation of all components of the battery, leak detection is an essential step in quality control. This applies to the battery cells, the cell components, cooling circuits, battery modules and its parts, as well as on complete battery packs. The battery has to be protected from moisture ingress on all levels in order to ensure safe and reliable operation of the systems.
Application requirements
- Dry pumps with high resistance to poisonous and toxic fumes in drying, filling and formation processes
- High sensitivity leak detection of battery components and battery cells
- Integral and quantitative leak testing of battery packs and cooling circuits
Product portfolio
From reliable and customizable pumping systems to vacuum generation as well leak detection methods, Pfeiffer Vacuum supports you with vacuum technology that effectively matches your requirements of each production process step. During development of supply and production chains, Pfeiffer Vacuum is your partner of choice with engineering and consultant solutions for all production and quality assurance steps.
