2024 Tutorials*

Monday, December 9, 2024  8:30 - 10:00 am

TUT1: Materials Selection & Design

Detailed Agenda
Yi Cui, PhD, Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, and Energy Science & Engineering, Stanford University
8:30 am

Materials Selection and Design

Yi Cui, PhD, Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, and Energy Science & Engineering, Stanford University

This tutorial gives an overview of the materials selection and design in order to increase the energy density of batteries, extend the cycle life, and enhance safety significantly. It targets the application of portable electronics and electric vehicles to grid-scale storage.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

  • Si, Li metal, P Anodes, and S Cathodes for high-energy batteries
  • Low-cost metal-H2 batteries for grid-scale storage
  • Solid-state batteries
  • Ideas to enhance battery safety

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Yi Cui, PhD, Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, and Energy Science & Engineering, Stanford University

Dr. Cui is the Fortinet Founders Professor of Materials Science & Engineering and Energy Science & Engineering. He is the Director of the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford. He studies the fundamentals of nanomaterials and their applications in batteries, catalysts, wearables, carbon capture, mineral extraction and environmental technology. Cui attended the University of Science and Technology of China for a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He then pursued a PhD in physical chemistry with Charles Lieber at Harvard University, where he worked on silicon nanowires and developed highly sensitive nanoscale sensors. After completing his PhD in 2002, Cui went to the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a Miller Postdoctoral Fellow hosted by Paul Alivisatos. Cui joined the Stanford faculty in 2005. He has published approximately 550 research papers and has an outstanding H-index impact score of 249 (Google Scholar). In 2014, he was ranked #1 in materials science by Thomson Reuters’ “The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds.” In 2022, Cui was an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, Materials Research Society, Electrochemical Society, and the Royal Society of Chemistry. He is an associate editor of Nano Letters. He is a co-director of the Battery 500 Consortium, and co-director of Stanford’s StorageX Initiative. His selected awards include the Global Energy Prize (2021), U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Award (2020), MRS Medal (2020), and Blavatnik National Laureate (2017). He has founded five companies to commercialize technologies from his group: Amprius (NYSE: AMPX), 4C Air, EEnotech, EnerVenue and LifeLabs Design Inc.

TUT2: Na-ion Batteries: Materials and State of the Art (instructor will be presenting virtually)

Detailed Agenda
Philipp Adelhelm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin
8:30 am

Na-ion Batteries: Materials and State of the Art

Philipp Adelhelm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin

Na-ion batteries (SIB) are rapidly developing as potential alternatives to complement Li-ion battery (LIB) technology. The energy densities of SIBs are close to LIBs, but at the same time they avoid or reduce the amounts of many critical elements used for LIBs. Due to their conceptual similarity, SIBs can be produced on the same manufacturing lines as LIBs, which is a great advantage for market implementation. This tutorial gives an overview on Na-ion battery development, with the focus on materials (anode, cathode) and electrolytes.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Philipp Adelhelm, PhD, Professor, Institute of Chemistry, Humboldt-University Berlin

Philipp Adelhelm is a professor for physical chemistry at Humboldt-University Berlin. His current main interest is research on sustainable batteries. After studying materials science at the University of Stuttgart, he moved to the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam (department of Professor Antionetti / Smarsly, 2005-2007) for his doctoral project. This was followed by a 2-year postdoctoral stay at the University of Utrecht (Professor de Jongh) and then a position as a junior research group leader at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Justus Liebig University in Giessen (Professor Janek, 2009-2015). From 2015-2019 he was a professor at the Institute for Technical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. He has been a professor at the Institute for Chemistry at Humboldt-University since 2019, and heads a joint research group on operando battery analysis at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB).

TUT3: Battery Intelligence

Detailed Agenda
Kevin Wood, PhD, Director, Battery Consulting & Services, Voltaiq, Inc.
8:30 am

Battery Intelligence

Kevin Wood, PhD, Director, Battery Consulting & Services, Voltaiq, Inc.

Part 1 of this tutorial will cover cover critical techniques and analysis for extracting the maximum insight from standard electrochemical testing data

Topics include: 1) Theoretical Capacity and Standard Reduction potentials; 2) Charge, discharge V-T data; 3) Rest Potentials; and 4) Constant Voltage Charging. This tutorial will help you make the most of this data so that you can detect and remediate battery defects sooner.


Part 2 of this tutorial will cover in-depth tools and analysis capabilities for extracting maximum mechanistic insight out of electrochemical data.

Topics include: 1) dQ/dV; 2) Pulse Characterization; 3) HPPC; 4) GITT; 5) Analytical Pulsing Protocol (APP); and 6) Battery manufacturing analysis. This tutorial will help you make the most of this data so that you can detect and remediate battery defects sooner.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Kevin Wood, PhD, Director, Battery Consulting & Services, Voltaiq, Inc.

Dr. Kevin N. Wood is a Sr. Solutions Engineer and Electrochemistry Expert for Voltaiq. He is also currently an adjunct professor of Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. Before joining Voltaiq Dr. Wood was both a Professor and CTO managing over $7.5 Million dollars of battery related government and industry sponsored research projects since 2018. He has 5 Patents in the energy storage space and 25 peer reviewed journal publications focused on electrochemical data analysis. His technological advances in characterization and electrochemical analysis have been highlighted by the National Academy of Engineering, PBS, and the Discovery channel. In 2018 his advances were awarded impact paper of the year by Nature Publishing for Future Lithium-based Batteries. In 2021 Dr. Wood gave a TEDx talk on “The Coming Battery Revolution”.

TUT4: Battery Management Systems & Charging

Detailed Agenda
Gregory L. Plett, PhD, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
Scott Trimboli, PhD, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
8:30 am

Algorithms for Battery Management Systems

Gregory L. Plett, PhD, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Scott Trimboli, PhD, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Battery management systems must perform several tasks, including estimating state of charge, state of health, state of power, and state of energy. Various approaches are available to accomplish these goals. This tutorial will give an overview of commonly used methods and discuss some of their individual advantages and disadvantages. Methods based on empirical equivalent circuit models will be highlighted, but methods using physics-based models will also be introduced.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Gregory L. Plett, PhD, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Professor Plett received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 1998. Since then, he has been on the faculty of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. His research focuses on control-systems theory as applied to the management of high-capacity battery systems, such as found in hybrid and electric vehicles. Current research efforts include: physics-based reduced-order modeling of ideal lithium-ion dynamics; system identification of physics-based model parameters using only current-voltage input-output data; physics-based reduced-order modeling of degradation mechanisms in electrochemical cells; estimation of cell internal state and degradation state; state-of-charge, state-of-health and state-of-life estimation; power and energy prediction; and battery pack fast charging.

Scott Trimboli, PhD, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Professor Trimboli’s research focuses on development of control strategies for the management of high-capacity battery systems such as found in electric vehicles. He is currently involved in multiple projects where he leads investigation on battery modeling and the application of model-predictive control to improve the performance and extend the lifetime of lithium ion battery cells. Other research efforts include: reduced-order modeling methods, modeling of lithium-ion degradation mechanisms, empirical and physics-based modeling of lithium-ion battery thermal properties, as well as predictive methods for power estimation.

Monday, December 9, 2024  10:30 - 12:00 pm

TUT5: Cell & Pack Design

Detailed Agenda
Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric
10:30 am

Cell & Pack Design for xEVs

Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric

This tutorial will give an overview of battery systems design. An overall product development process will be discussed for a typical system. Design aspects of each individual subsystem will be explored with cost impacts of different design choices. Testing, validation, and designing for safety will be other key areas of discussion.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Kevin Konecky, Vice President, Battery Systems Engineering, Ola Electric

Mr. Konecky brings over 20 years of xEV experience to his work, having worked on multiple complex designs for battery system development, charging system integration, and high-voltage powertrain integration. He is skilled in new product design and development, product testing, product safety, integration of multiple sub-systems for vehicles, new product launches and has expanded his skillset beyond batteries into power electronics. His experience in batteries includes multiple technologies (Li-ion, NiMH, UltraCapacitors, Lead-Acid). Mr. Konecky has worked for multiple OEM and Tier 1 battery suppliers (GM, Fisker, Byton, Cobasys, EnerDel, Lockheed Martin) and has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY) and MS from Purdue (IUPUI - Indianapolis, IN).

TUT6: Battery Sustainability

Detailed Agenda
Haajarah Ahmed, Manager, Social Performance, ICMM
Beatrice Browning, Senior Recycling Analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
Stefan Debruyne, Director of External Affairs, SQM International
Emily Greenspan, Associate Director, Oxfam America
10:30 am

Sustainability in the Automotive Battery Value Chain

Haajarah Ahmed, Manager, Social Performance, ICMM

Beatrice Browning, Senior Recycling Analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Stefan Debruyne, Director of External Affairs, SQM International

Emily Greenspan, Associate Director, Oxfam America

Considering the increasing interest in supply chain due diligence related to initiatives, such as the US Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Battery Regulation, the ESG aspect of raw material production is becoming more and more important. However, the ESG landscape is one that merges several highly specialist fields, which can be tremendously confusing to the many stakeholders of the automotive battery value chain. The objective of the tutorial is to provide participants with an understandable overview of some of the latest and key aspects of sustainability initiatives in the automotive battery value chain. What is the best mining assurance standard? What about life-cycle assessment? How do companies work to improve footprints? What is the potential for improvement going forward?

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Haajarah Ahmed, Manager, Social Performance, ICMM

Haajarah works across ICMM’s Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights projects and also contributes to ICMM’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) practice group. She led the review and update of ICMM’s Indigenous Peoples and Mining Position Statement which was developed over more than two years of extensive engagement with Indigenous Peoples’ representatives, human rights and legal experts, civil society organisations and with significant input from ICMM members’ subject matter experts and leaders. Prior to joining ICMM, Haajarah had experience working in policy and engagement roles across Government on natural resource and energy issues. She previously worked at Natural Resources Canada supporting engagement with Indigenous groups to modernize Canada’s radioactive waste policy. Haajarah also supported the delivery of a government consultation process with Indigenous groups in relation to the TMX pipeline project in 2019.

Beatrice Browning, Senior Recycling Analyst, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence

Beatrice Browning is the senior recycling analyst in the forecasting team at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. She completed her PhD in battery recycling in September 2024, which has given her an in-depth technical understanding of lithium-ion battery recycling techniques—something that has been highly useful for her role as a recycling analyst at Benchmark. Beatrice has been working on the recycling forecast since March 2022, tracking regional advancements in battery recycling infrastructure, technologies, and policy frameworks to build up a global understanding of the lithium-ion battery recycling market.

Stefan Debruyne, Director of External Affairs, SQM International

Stefan Debruyne is Director of External Affairs at SQM, focusing on SQM’s engagement with stakeholders of the global EV battery value chain. He joined SQM in 2005 as Lithium and Iodine Sales Director Asia-Pacific where he witnessed firsthand the boom in lithium-ion battery production in Asia and the emerging electrification of transportation in China. He earned a Master's degree in Commercial Engineering from the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium) in 1997 and an Executive MBA from Vlerick Business School (in Belgium) in 2021. Prior to joining SQM in 2005, he held a variety of international commercial roles in different listed companies.

Emily Greenspan, Associate Director, Oxfam America

Emily Greenspan co-leads Oxfam America’s Natural Resource Justice global program based in Washington, DC. She has worked on natural resource issues for 20 years, with a particular focus on land and community rights. Her research includes Oxfam’s "Community Consent Index" (2015); "Free, Prior and Informed Consent in Africa: An emerging standard for the extractive industries" (2014); and "Watching the Watchdogs: Evaluating independent expert panels that monitor large-scale oil and gas pipeline projects" (2011). Before coming to work for Oxfam, Emily worked on oil, forestry, and indigenous rights issues with the World Wildlife Fund in Peru, and on a civil society strengthening program with the Pan American Development Foundation. She received her master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School.

TUT7: Battery Safety & Abuse Tolerance Validation

Detailed Agenda
Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.
10:30 am

Battery Safety and Abuse Tolerance Validation

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.

Batteries have become daily use components for many applications. New growing segments like EV and grid storage batteries extend the traditional ordinary battery applications. In the race for energy density, we shouldn't forget safety. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery safety case. Unfortunately, we face daily safety events with injuries and severe damage. This workshop focuses on portable, stationary, and automotive battery safety along the battery cycle life (acceptance, testing, assembly, use, transportation, and disposal). This training incorporates Shmuel De-Leon’s and others' experiences on battery safety, representing over 26 years of work in the field. The motivation behind the training is to provide attendees with the knowledge needed to safely handle the batteries in their organization and to support reduction in safety events.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd.

Shmuel De-Leon, Founder and CEO of Shmuel De-Leon Energy Ltd., is a leading international expert in the business of energy storage. Prior to founding the company, for over 21 years, Shmuel held various positions as an energy storage, electronic engineering, and quality control team manager. Shmuel holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Tel Aviv University, and an M.B.A. in Quality Control and Reliability Engineering from the Technion Institute in Haifa, as well as an Electronic Technician's diploma.

TUT8: Economics of Battery Material Development & Manufacturing

Detailed Agenda
Thomas D. Gregory, Owner and Consultant, Borealis Technology Solutions LLC
10:30 am

Technoeconomic Analysis: Effective Development and Commercialization Pathways for New Battery Technologies

Thomas D. Gregory, Owner and Consultant, Borealis Technology Solutions LLC

Technoeconomic analysis is often thought to be synonymous with cost estimation, but it is also a powerful tool for guiding process and product R&D as well as assessing competing technology. This tutorial will illustrate the value of integrating technoeconomic analysis into new product and process development from laboratory to plant construction, focusing on the early stages of development when critical decisions such as process route selection must be made with limited data. Techniques for estimating capital and operating costs will be covered, ranging from simple analogies to more complex methodologies. Using the results to differentiate between process options and proceed from “What can we do?” to “What should we do?” will be highlighted. These concepts and methodologies will be illustrated with real-world examples based on the instructor’s 40+ years of industrial experience.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED: 

- Factors that impact successful commercialization of battery materials.

- Technological feasibility versus economic practicality—market need/company capability intersection.

- Technoeconomic analysis methodology, focusing on the critical early stages of a project where product design and process chemistry and development occur amid significant technical and economic uncertainty.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Thomas D. Gregory, Owner and Consultant, Borealis Technology Solutions LLC

Tom Gregory received his BS in chemical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 1978 and his MS in 1979, specializing in electrochemical engineering. His 34-year career at Dow Chemical encompassed a variety of R&D roles including development and scale-up of production technology for organic, inorganic, polymer, and ceramic materials. He led pioneering rechargeable magnesium battery R&D and engaged in development of novel lithium ion battery and fuel cell-related technologies. Tom is currently a consultant specializing in chemical process analysis, design, and scale-up and electrochemical energy generation and storage. He is active in both AIChE and The Electrochemical Society and frequently serves on proposal review panels for the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. He is the inventor or co-inventor on 16 U.S. and 42 foreign patents and has published or presented 25 papers in scientific journals and conferences.

Monday, December 9, 2024  1:00 - 2:30 pm

TUT9: Solid-State Batteries

Detailed Agenda
Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Chair in Energy & Faraday Institution; Adjunct Professor, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews
1:00 pm

Solid-State Batteries

Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Chair in Energy & Faraday Institution; Adjunct Professor, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews

In this tutorial lecture, the development of state-of-the-art solid-state Li-ion and Na-ion electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries with emphasis on ionic conductivity and chemical and electrochemical stabilities will be discussed.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Venkataraman Thangadurai, PhD, Chair in Energy & Faraday Institution; Adjunct Professor, School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews

Dr. Venkataraman Thangadurai is a full professor and Chair in Energy at the School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom. He is the inaugural Faraday Adjunct Professorial Fellow at the University of St Andrews. He is elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK), Royal Society of Canada, and the Electrochemical Society (USA). He has published more than 260 peer-reviewed papers in journals (H-index of 69). He has received the Keith Laidler Award from the Canadian Chemical Society (CSC) in 2016 and Research Excellence Award in Materials Chemistry from CSC in 2021. Dr. Thangadurai is founder of two start-ups based on his lithium-ion electrolytes research. His current research activities include the discovery of novel solid-state electrolytes and electrodes for advanced batteries and fuel cells.

TUT10: Sodium Sulfate Management: An Emerging Challenge for North American pCAM Producers

Detailed Agenda
Kenji Naoi, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Positive Materials
Tomasz Poznar, PhD, Vice President, Strategy, Ascend Elements
David Rayworth, Vice President, Environment, Positive Materials
Marco Romero, Founder & CEO, Positive Materials
Bruce Thomas-Benke, Strategy & Growth Director, Worley Consulting
Karel Vratny, Thermal Domain and Battery Materials Sales, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions
1:00 pm

Sodium Sulfate Management: An Emerging Challenge for North American pCAM Producers

Kenji Naoi, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Positive Materials

Tomasz Poznar, PhD, Vice President, Strategy, Ascend Elements

David Rayworth, Vice President, Environment, Positive Materials

Marco Romero, Founder & CEO, Positive Materials

Bruce Thomas-Benke, Strategy & Growth Director, Worley Consulting

Karel Vratny, Thermal Domain and Battery Materials Sales, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions

Precursor cathode active materials (pCAM) are the weakest link in the North American battery supply chain, despite being critical high-value components. To localize and strengthen the continent’s battery and EV industry, large new pCAM manufacturing facilities are being built or planned across North America, most of which will produce ternary chemistry pCAM. As of today, approximately 800,000 metric tonnes per annum of pCAM capacity is under development. 


The primary inputs into the ternary pCAM production process are metal sulfates (principally nickel, manganese, and cobalt). The principal byproduct from ternary pCAM production is sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄), produced at a 2:1 ratio (for every tonne of pCAM produced, approximately two tonnes of Na₂SO₄ are generated). Managing this sodium sulfate byproduct is a significant emerging challenge for the industry. In some cases, it may also create opportunities for recycling and upcycling. 

Globally, there are numerous approaches for sodium sulfate management, including upcycling, recycling, and disposal options. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, with financial costs often being considerable. Many promising emerging technologies remain unproven on a commercial scale, carrying inherent risks.

This tutorial will provide an overview of various options for managing sodium sulfate, including both proven and emerging technologies. In exploring this topic at AABC, the goal is to bring together leading experts in the pCAM production space to advance knowledge and identify pragmatic solutions.

The tutorial will be led by Marco Romero, Co-founder and CEO of Positive Materials Inc., an independent company aiming to create a pCAM production facility in Atlantic Canada. Marco brings 45 years of diversified experience in the mining, mineral processing, battery raw materials, and construction materials industries.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:

1. Session Overview: Demystifying Sodium Sulphate
  • Marco Romero – Overview of sodium sulphate management in relation to pCAM production in North America with focus on marine discharge under consideration for Project Positive.
  • Kenji Naoi, David Rayworth – Brief introduction to Project Positive.
2. Overview of Na2SO4 Management Options
  • Bruce Thomas-Benke – Summarize representative Na2SO4 waste management alternatives evaluation and techno-economic/environmental economic evaluation methodology.
3. Technology Deep Dive
  • Karel Vratny – Overview of glaserite and similar approaches to produce sulphate of potash fertilizer from Na2SO4 brine.
4. Ascend Elements Apex 1 Experience
  • Tomasz Poznar – Overview of Ascend Elements recent experience with sodium sulphate management at its Apex 1 facility in Hopkinsville, KY.
5. Wrap-Up
  • ​Marco Romero – Summary of session and key takeaways.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Kenji Naoi, Executive Director & Co-Founder, Positive Materials

Tomasz Poznar, PhD, Vice President, Strategy, Ascend Elements

Tomasz Poznar, Ph.D. joined the Ascend Elements in 2021. He has diverse battery industry experience in multiple functional areas, including strategic planning, products and new business development. He came to Ascend Elements from A123 Systems, where he was responsible for corporate strategy and business development. His previous experience includes various executive roles and years of lithium-ion battery and vehicle electrification experience with EnerDel, Delco Remy and Volvo. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland.

David Rayworth, Vice President, Environment, Positive Materials

Environmental planning and management specialist with over 25 years of experience across Canada. Long history as an EIA expert at one of Canada’s leading environmental consulting firms. Recent role as a senior major project reviewer at the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. Strong understanding of Canadian federal and provincial regulatory process. New Brunswick native with extensive history of working with First Nations.

Marco Romero, Founder & CEO, Positive Materials

Marco Romero is an entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the technical services, mining and construction materials industries. He has held leadership roles in exploration, mine planning and operations, permitting and finance, as well as project and corporate development. He co-founded several Canadian companies, including Eldorado Gold, Polaris Materials, Delta Gold and Euro Manganese. He has received several international, national and regional awards for achievements in corporate social responsibility and environmental excellence.

Bruce Thomas-Benke, Strategy & Growth Director, Worley Consulting

Bruce is a Principal Technical Consultant and Worley’s Water, Environment & Sustainability Growth & Strategy Director in the America’s for the Mining and Battery Materials sectors. He has over 30 years of diverse, international industrial water/wastewater consulting, feasibility, design, construction, program management, technology commercialization, business development, and commercial management experience. He connects clients with our experts, technology, and solutions to address their most difficult water, waste, and other environmental challenges. He synthesizes Worley’s cross-industry experience and expertise with our consulting, planning, capital project delivery, and operations capabilities. This produces holistic, integrated technical and commercial solutions, delivered to customers’ unique requirements, that maximize lifetime performance and asset value. He is currently focusing on resource recovery and brine valorization in desalination, battery active materials, mining, and oil and gas produced water applications including process development, proof of concept testing and technology scaling, and business case development.

Karel Vratny, Thermal Domain and Battery Materials Sales, Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions

Karel Vratny is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the water industry. As a domain expert, he specializes in electrochemistry separation, thermal and integrated flowsheet solutions, with a particular focus on battery material fields (mining, refining, pCAM, battery recycling). Karel's expertise lies in positioning complex projects that address industrial challenges, such as the management of sodium sulfate. With a deep understanding of the intricacies of industrial processes, Karel has built a reputation for providing innovative solutions that optimize operations and enhance efficiency. His extensive knowledge of thermal technologies, electrochemistry, integrated flowsheets, and battery material applications allows him to offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of his clients.

TUT11: Li-ion Cell Design and Manufacturing

Detailed Agenda
James Kaschmitter, CEO, SpectraPower LLC
1:00 pm

Li-ion Cell Design and Manufacturing: Processes, Equipment, and Quality Control

James Kaschmitter, CEO, SpectraPower LLC

This tutorial will begin with an overview of Li-ion cell design for performance and manufacturability, including contrasting the performance and characteristics of commonly used materials. The tutorial will then lead to a detailed review of Li-ion cell manufacturing, from incoming raw materials through final cell formation, aging, and shipment.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

James Kaschmitter, CEO, SpectraPower LLC

James Kaschmitter is the CEO of SpectraPower, which he founded in 2002. SpectraPower operates a battery research facility in Livermore, CA that performs contract energy storage research, consulting and expert witness services for government, private companies, law firms, startups and investors. Jim has founded, or co-founded, several companies in the energy storage field. He began research in Li-ion batteries in 1989 at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). He was co-founder and CEO of PolyStor Corporation starting in 1993. PolyStor is the only U.S. company to have commercially manufactured in high volume in the U.S. all form factors of lithium-ion cells, including cylindrical, prismatic and polymer. In 1997 Jim founded PowerStor Corporation to commercialize the carbon aerogel supercapacitor that he co-invented at LLNL. PowerStor supercapacitors are now manufactured and sold in high volume by Eaton Bussman. He founded UltraCell in 2002, which successfully developed the world’s first reformed methanol micro fuel cell. UltraCell’s micro fuel cells are currently manufactured and sold by Brentronics and are deployed with U.S military and intelligence units, and are in use in combat in the Middle East. Jim holds a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and has a bachelor’s degree in the Physics Honors Program from the University of Utah. He holds more than 20 patents in the alternative energy field. He owns, maintains and operates an experimental aircraft and holds instrument and multi-engine ratings.

TUT12: In-Depth Analysis of the Chinese xEV Battery Market

Detailed Agenda
Mark Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute
1:00 pm

In-Depth Analysis of the Chinese xEV Battery Industry—From Applications to Upstream Materials

Mark Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute

As the world’s biggest EDV market, Chinese xEV industry has become the most important pioneering target. However, specially planned economy, localized regulations, and multiple business models exist and make international companies’ decision-making more difficult. Therefore, this tutorial will try to provide a whole picture of the Chinese EDV battery market including policies & regulations, future forecasts, competitive analysis, battery technology strategies, upstream supply chain, and positioning for foreign enterprises.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Mark Lu, PhD, Senior Industrial Analyst, Industrial Economics & Knowledge Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute

Mr. Lu graduated from Department of Business Administration in National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan, and continued to acquire an MBA degree from National Sun Yat-sen University. His first job concerned with the optical film in China for two years, then came back Taiwan to serve Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) as an analyst in Industry, Science and Technology International Strategy Center (ISTI) until now. As a certified industrial analyst of the biggest think-tank in Taiwan, he is responsible for the research about Taiwan battery-related industry, including material, cell, pack and related applications. Not only handling the official government statistics about Taiwan battery industry, sometimes he also plays a role to provide consulting suggestions for Taiwan government and firms. From 2010 to June 2020, he served as the secretary-general of the Taiwan Battery Association.

Monday, December 9, 2024  3:00 - 4:30 pm

TUT13: Improving the Energy Density of Batteries with Silicon-Based Anodes

Detailed Agenda
Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, R&D, Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.
3:00 pm

Improving the Energy Density of Batteries with Silicon-Based Anodes

Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, R&D, Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.

The key challenges in the use of silicon-based anodes, as well as progress in the implementation of silicon and what can we expect in the future. The latest improvements in other battery components are required to maximize the benefit of silicon-based anodes.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Dee Strand, PhD, CSO, R&D, Wildcat Discovery Technologies, Inc.

Dr. Dee Strand is Chief Scientific Officer at Wildcat Discovery Technologies. Dr. Strand has over twenty years of experience in materials research, development, and commercialization, primarily in the areas of energy storage and electronic applications. Prior to joining Wildcat in 2013, Dr. Strand served as a Research Fellow at Dow Chemical, where she was the technical lead in Dow Energy Materials, as well as the Principal Investigator on external research programs with universities and national labs on battery materials. Dr. Strand also has extensive experience in patent analysis and technical due diligence of new technologies. Dr. Strand completed her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, under the supervision of Professor John Schrag. Her Ph.D. research focused on rheology and birefringence of polymeric solutions.

TUT14: Li-ion Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway

Detailed Agenda
Ahmad Pesaran, PhD, Chief Energy Storage Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
3:00 pm

Li-ion Battery Safety & Thermal Runaway

Ahmad Pesaran, PhD, Chief Energy Storage Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Application of lithium-ion batteries (LIB) in electrified transportation and renewable grid is growing at a very fast pace for decarbonization of the passenger vehicles by 2035. Due to the characteristics of current LIB technologies, although rare, there is potential for thermal runaway and fires, as seen by recent fires in Tesla Model S, Chevy Bolt, and grid storage system in an Arizona Utility. 


Increased severity of fire incidents with more advanced energy-dense LIBs, especially cathodes with higher Ni, and anodes with silicon or lithium, is expected. In this tutorial/seminar we will: 1.) discuss fundamental causes for safety issues leading to thermal runway and fire, 2.) review abusive behavior of cells and packs through characterization, testing, and modeling/simulations, 3.) provide overview of approaches that could reduce safety risks and detect impending failures, and 4.) provide references as a resource for accessing more information. 

This tutorial/seminar is provided by Dr. Ahmad Pesaran with 25+ years’ experience in lithium-ion battery R&D including safety testing and modeling with perspectives of his participation at USABC Technical Advisory Committee. He will provide the audience with information and understanding needed to handle Li-ion battery safety in both their work at their companies and in products they deliver to the market.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:   
LIB Applications ​LIB Introduction  
a.    Battery Fundamentals 
b.    Battery Chemistries 
c.    Cell Designs 

LIB Safety and Abuse 
a.    LIB Fires  
b.    Instigators for Thermal Runaway 
c.    Battery Abuse Characterization and Testing Equipment  
d.    Battery Abuse Modeling/Simulation Tools 

Approaches for Designing Safer Cells and Modules–Recent Progress of EV Pack and System Safety

Remarks on Safe Handling of LIBs Summary

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Ahmad Pesaran, PhD, Chief Energy Storage Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

After receiving his Ph.D. from UCLA, Ahmad has been working at NREL on energy efficient technologies including electrified vehicles. Until 2017, Ahmad was the Manager of the Energy Storage Group researching science and engineering of high energy anodes and cathodes, battery thermal management, 3D electrochemical-thermal modeling, safety and thermal runaway modeling, battery second use, techno-economic analysis of batteries for EVs; he led the Computer-Aided Engineering for Electric Drive Vehicle Batteries for Department of Energy (DOE).Between 2016 and 2018 he was detailed at the DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) as technical advisor to the Battery program supporting battery processing, extreme fast charging and recycling. He was the Administrator for the first Phase of the DOE Battery Recycling Prize.Currently, Ahmad is pursuing energy storage business development activities for NREL and supports VTO with battery processing, manufacturing, solid electrolyte, and low-cobalt cathode projects.

TUT15: Battery Recycling

Detailed Agenda
Steve Sloop, PhD, President, OnTo Technology LLC
3:00 pm

xEV Lithium-ion Recycling Methods

Steve Sloop, PhD, President, OnTo Technology LLC

By 2025 the original lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry is on course to reach $98 billion worldwide. However, with so many uncertainties, the recycling market has projections of $14 to $40 billion. Recycling must be economically sustainable with future $10/kg cathodes, can it achieve such a goal? A supportive recycling industry will be expected to (1) operate with end-of-life batteries as an asset (2) produce cost-competitive elements, electrodes, or electrode precursor materials, (3) safely address large-scale throughputs, and (4) accommodate low cobalt or no cobalt cathode formulations. This tutorial will comprehensively address technologies of pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, hybrid approaches, and direct recycling. The instructor will introduce these and discuss them in light of cost goals and market realities.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Steve Sloop, PhD, President, OnTo Technology LLC

Steve Sloop has pioneered comprehensive methods to improve safety and efficiency in recycling lithium-ion batteries and materials. These include deactivation of lithium-ion batteries to eliminate hazards in transportation and storage; electrolyte extraction; electrode harvesting and separation; and cathode-healing™, which is a direct method to reintroduce lithium, structure, and performance to scrap electrodes.

TUT16: The Rechargeable Battery Market Value Chain & Main Trends: 2024-2034

Detailed Agenda
Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Energy, Avicenne Energy
3:00 pm

The Rechargeable Battery Market Value Chain & Main Trends

Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Energy, Avicenne Energy


ABOUT THIS TUTORIAL:
​This tutorial will present the 10-year automotive market forecasts from Avicenne and other analysts (micro/Hybrid/P-HEV/EV). Other coverage will include car makers’ strategies and advanced energy storage (advanced lead acid/supercap/NiMH/LIB). Additionally, LIB design for P-HEV & EV markets (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch/wounded, stacked, Z fold cells) and LIB cell, module, and pack cost structure will be discussed.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED:
  • The rechargeable battery market in 2023
  • Battery market by application
  • Electronic devices, xEV, e-bikes, power tools
  • Stationary applications
  • Raw material for lithium-ion battery supply chain
  • Battery market forecasts, 2023-2033
  • Focus on xEV market
  • OEM supply chain
  • xEV forecasts
  • Impact of Li-ion batteries on lead acid battery marketConclusions​​

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES:

Michael Sanders, Senior Advisor, Energy, Avicenne Energy

Mike has significant energy storage materials value chain understanding with an emphasis on lithium-ion batteries and systems with 13 years of market knowledge and relationships. Successful program leadership experience with significant business growth in ventures and existing businesses with a proven track record leading mergers and acquisition teams to enter the lithium-ion battery materials market. He joined AVICENNE in May of 2016 as a Senior Advisor. Since joining the AVICENNE team, Mike has been leading the US AVICENNE activity working with many clients holding strategy workshops, validation of growth opportunities, helping clients establish their growth plans in energy storage, and establishing M&A targets/diligence. Before joining AVICENNE, Mike had a very long career with DuPont, his most recent role was the Global Marketing Director – Energy Storage Venture where he developed significant understanding and insights for the energy storage materials market, device manufacturing, and systems while leading global marketing and customer interface efforts to establish programs to enter the $20B energy storage materials market. Executed strategic and market planning for opportunity evaluation, research, choices, and M&A activity for entry into rapidly growing new market. He has a degree in Chemistry from the University of Delaware and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and Electrochemical Society.

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Battery Chemistries for Automotive Applications
xEV Battery Technology, Application, and Market

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