Battery Technology and Systems

Foreword

The Auto-Cove 2.0 consortium is developing innovative study modules and training courses focused on alternative fuel vehicle service and sales across three European Qualifications Framework (EQF) levels. All courses developed within the project are funded by the European Union and are completely free for users. Upon completion, they will be published and stored in the Electude e-learning platform.

Course description

This course on Battery Technology and Systems offers a comprehensive introduction to the basics and applications of batteries, tailored for vocational school pupils, students, teachers and specialists in the automobile trade. Through practical group work and independent learning, learners will acquire basic knowledge about the structure and functioning of lithium-ion batteries as well as important safety aspects when handling batteries. Specialised topics such as battery management systems and balancing techniques are also covered in order to develop an in-depth understanding of battery technologies. By the end of the module, learners will be able to critically evaluate battery technologies, develop teaching materials and discuss complex issues relating to battery applications and utilisation, appropriate to their level of education. This knowledge will enable them to effectively transfer in-depth knowledge of the automobile trade to their customers, design curricula and drive innovation in the field of battery technology.

Methods of teaching and learning description

Our approach to the design of learning and teaching involves a structured approach that is reflected in different levels of difficulty. Each course is divided into several sub-courses that aim to provide a holistic learning experience:

• Theory: This teaches the fundamental concepts and principles that are critical to understanding the subject.
• Quizzes: Interactive exercises and tests designed to test and deepen understanding of the theory.
• Labs: Practical exercises and experiments that allow learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real or simulated scenarios.
• Workshop: Interactive sessions where learners can actively participate in discussions, problem-solve and develop creative ideas.
• Test: Formal assessments to evaluate learners’ knowledge progress and competences.
• Teacher Resources: Additional materials and support for teachers to effectively organise lessons and support individual learner needs.

This structured approach aims to make learning and teaching interactive, diverse and effective by catering for different learning styles and needs and promoting comprehensive understanding and practical skills.

Study modules in Electude e-learning platform

All courses developed within the project are funded by the European Union and are completely free for users. Upon completion, they will be published and stored in the Electude study module platform. In the picture below you can see an example of the course contents in Electude system.

Within the AutoCoVE 2.0 framework, Electude plays a pivotal role by providing its state-of-the-art e-learning platform to all partner VET institutions. The platform offers access to nearly 2,000 technical modules, facilitating the development of innovative study materials and training courses focused on modern vehicle technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered systems.

Module: Battery systems design and construction

In this module, students learn about the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of battery system construction, which are of central importance in electromobility and other energy storage systems. They acquire knowledge of single cells, their interconnection into modules and the necessary peripherals for the control and safety of a battery system.

After successfully completing the module, students will be able to:

1. describe the structure and function of individual cells and how they are interconnected to form a battery system,
2. explain the difference between serial and parallel connection and their effects,
3. identify the necessary components of a battery system, such as the battery management system (BMS) and thermal management and explain their functions,
4. set up a simple battery module and observe basic circuitry and safety aspects. apply practical knowledge in dealing with cell interconnection and the wiring of battery modules.

Module: Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)

In this module, you will comprehensively learn how electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) works and the diverse range of its applications. EIS is an extremely sensitive and precise measurement technique that is indispensable for the characterization of electrochemical systems. A key aspect of the course is to teach you methods for evaluating the quality of measurement data to ensure that the collected information is reliable and meaningful. Furthermore, the course will delve deeply into the interpretation of measurement data. You will learn how to interpret the data obtained and what physical and chemical properties can be derived from it. Special attention will be given to understanding the dependencies and influencing factors of the measurements to achieve precise results. An important application area of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is the study of battery aging. Battery aging is a central issue as it significantly affects the performance and lifespan of energy storage systems. Over time, altered chemical processes and physical structures within the battery can be reliably identified and analyzed using EIS. This enables researchers and engineers to optimize battery lifespan and develop innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and sustainability of energy storage systems.

Module: Battery ageing

The “Battery Ageing” module explores how and why batteries lose their effectiveness over time. It begins by explaining the two main types of ageing: calendar ageing, which happens even when a battery is not in use, and cycle ageing, which results from regular charging and discharging. These processes are influenced by factors like temperature, usage patterns, and storage conditions, making battery ageing a complex and inevitable phenomenon.

Understanding how long a battery will last is challenging, as degradation does not follow a simple pattern. Over time, batteries experience a loss of capacity—meaning they hold less charge—and a rise in internal resistance, making it harder for them to deliver power efficiently. Batteries age accordingly to their environment, while some batteries age linearly over a long period of time others may deteriorate quickly under stressful conditions, leading to unexpected failures.

The next section, ruleset for handling batteries, translates theoretical knowledge into practical recommendations for prolonging battery lifespan and optimizing performance. This ruleset provides actionable guidelines, including optimal charging and discharging practices, temperature management strategies, and storage recommendations.

Beyond capacity loss, the module explores why batteries become less efficient. As they age, their ability to deliver power weakens, which can cause performance issues. Internal changes, such as chemical buildup and material wear, contribute to these problems, gradually reducing the battery’s reliability.

Ageing also affects larger battery systems, such as those used in electric vehicles and energy storage. The ageing behavior for larger battery systems on module level is derived from single cell ageing behavior.

Module: Structure and function of single cells

In this module, you will learn about the basic differences between primary and secondary cells and where they are used in our daily lives.

You will also discover what the term ‘cycling’ means in battery technology and why some batteries last longer than others. You will also learn about basic ageing mechanisms that affect the lifetime of batteries. By the end of the module, you will know how to extend the lifetime of batteries. This module provides a solid foundation for a better understanding of battery technology.

Innovative Study Modules and Training courses

The Auto-Cove 2.0 consortium is developing innovative study modules and training courses focused on alternative fuel vehicle service and sales across three European Qualifications Framework (EQF) levels:​

• EQF Level 4: Study modules tailored for technical and business students.​

• EQF Level 5: Training courses designed for vehicle engineering students at the tertiary level.​

• EQF Levels 4, 5, and 6: Training courses aimed at vehicle field teachers in vocational colleges and universities of applied sciences. These courses will also serve to upskill current workshop leaders, car mechanics, and professionals in vehicle sales and spare parts across all seven partner countries.

These educational initiatives aim to address the urgent need for expertise in servicing electrified and hydrogen vehicles, ensuring that both new graduates and existing professionals are equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.

All courses developed within the project are funded by the European Union and are completely free for users. Upon completion, they will be published and stored in the Electude e-learning platform.

Within the AutoCoVE 2.0 framework, Electude plays a pivotal role by providing its state-of-the-art e-learning platform to all partner VET institutions. The platform offers access to nearly 2,000 technical modules, facilitating the development of innovative study materials and training courses focused on modern vehicle technologies, including electric and hydrogen-powered systems.