GRK 2218:  SIMET - Simulation mechano-electro-thermal processes in lithium-ion batteries

• Subject Area: Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry
• Term: since 2017
• Website: Homepage
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 281041241

Lithium-ion batteries are key components for electrical energy storage. In the Research Training Group SiMET, doctoral researchers from the disciplines of chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics and mathematics jointly pursue the goal of achieving substantial progress in modeling and simulation of the coupled mechano-electro-thermal processes in lithium-ion batteries. The developed methods form the basis for knowledge-based, predictive research and development tools for lithium-ion batteries in science and industry. The innovative character of the doctoral topics results from a comprehensive multiscale and multi-disciplinary approach. In the first generation of SiMET doctoral researchers, this has already succeeded at many interfaces between at least two scales and disciplines; in the second generation, the coupled investigations are further significantly deepened, in order to finally result in a validated multi-physics and multi-scale method set in the third generation. The models cover a broad range of approaches and allow, for example, to simulate the operating behavior, to analyze the effect of cell structure on their properties, or to contribute to the understanding of degradation effects. Further important elements in SiMET include direct access to experimental parameterization and validation, the provision of research data for use within and beyond the group, and the integration of artificial intelligence into the simulation. The joint training of doctoral researchers takes place within a structured framework of qualification and supervision on the individual level, the group level, and the international scientific level. Individual support includes interdisciplinary “tandem” supervision teams and a diverse course program for hard and soft skills. Monthly study days and semi-annual spring and fall schools are part of the group level activities. At the international scientific level the doctoral researchers will be both challenged and encouraged by attending conferences at early stages of their doctorates, by enabling them in writing high-quality peer-reviewed publications, by inviting internationally recognized researchers, as well as by own research stays abroad.

• DFG Programme: Research Training Groups
• Applicant Institution: Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
• Participating Institution: Hochschule Offenburg
• Spokesperson: Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wetzel
• Participating Researchers: Professor Dr. Wolfgang Bessler; Professor Dr. Willy Dörfler; Professorin Dr. Gisela Guthausen; Professor Dr.-Ing. Marc Kamlah; Professorin Dr.-Ing. Ulrike Krewer, since 4/2020; Professor Dr. Arnulf Latz; Dr. Reiner Mönig; Professor Dr.-Ing. Hermann Nirschl; Privatdozent Dr.-Ing. André Weber