When sourcing batteries for repurposing and recycling, the first task is coming to terms with the nitty gritty: a detailed understanding of their technical specifications. At first glance, the technical specifications of a battery might seem straightforward. However, as veterans in the field would attest, this task is anything but. There are many batteries, each possessing unique characteristics. Gathering comprehensive technical data can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This crucial information is often scattered across numerous PDFs and Excel datasheets in static form, making the quest for comparing spec sheets a real pain and questions like…
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By Rasmus Lindqvist , Data Lead, Cling Systems
- Introduction
- The Anatomy of a Battery: Understanding its Layers
- Introducing the Battery Explorer
- A note on Battery Passports
- Conclusion
Introduction
When sourcing batteries for repurposing and recycling, the first task is coming to terms with the nitty gritty: a detailed understanding of their technical specifications.
At first glance, the technical specifications of a battery might seem straightforward. However, as veterans in the field would attest, this task is anything but. There are many batteries, each possessing unique characteristics. Gathering comprehensive technical data can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This crucial information is often scattered across numerous PDFs and Excel datasheets in static form, making the quest for comparing spec sheets a real pain and questions like…
- What is the current availability of Tesla Model S 85 kWh batteries in the market?
- How many 14S2P battery configurations exist currently?
- What is the total tonnage of NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) materials available?
... close to impossible to answer.
The Anatomy of a Battery: Understanding its Layers
To truly grasp the significance of a battery's technical specifications, it's essential to understand its layered structure. A battery is a complex assembly, composed of various layers that contribute to its overall functionality:
- Raw Materials: These are the essential elements that form the base of the battery, including Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, Manganese, and Copper.
- Cell: These are the fundamental electrochemical units where electrical power is generated.
- Module: This layer consists of groups of cells that are bundled together to improve packaging and reliability.
- Pack: This is the topmost layer, where modules are combined into a fully integrated system, ready for deployment.
The structure of batteries reveals a complex, yet ordered, hierarchy, from cells to modules to packs, each layer building upon the last. This progression from cells to modules to packs illustrates not only a hierarchical organization but also a significant expansion in diversity at each level. While the range of cell types remains relatively fixed, the potential combinations into modules increase, and from these modules, the variety of packs multiplies even further. Similar to the branches of a big family tree.
Understanding this layered architecture offers a strategic advantage for buyers. If a buyer is targeting a specific module, recognizing that it may be incorporated into multiple pack types expands their sourcing possibilities. This is crucial because it opens up avenues to find the desired module within different pack configurations. Potentially giving options that are more readily available or cost-efficient. A key benefit in a nascent market that is still opaque and lacking transparency.
Introducing the Battery Explorer
To navigate the complexities of battery specifications, at Cling we have developed the Battery Explorer, a tool designed to centralise, explore and compare battery specifications in a way that is much easier: the image below shows the Explorer in action – helping users to find the right supply.
Part of the Battery Explorer, is a unique graph structure, image below, where we are mapping how the batteries are used at the cell, module, and pack level. Demonstrating potential alternatives for supply, and where there is cross-over and relations – i.e. the family tree mentioned above.
The data structure of the battery explorer mimics the real world with the different layers of a battery connecting to each other. This enables search and navigation between the different layers in an easy manner.
We envision a world of frictionless access to technical specifications. Our battery explorer uses diverse sources, including direct industry engagements, in-house research, and our network of trusted partners. We've developed AI technology that proficiently extracts and processes information from technical spec sheets, transforming a variety of formats into a standardized database. This not only streamlines data integration but also ensures that we're providing consistently structured and easily navigable information.
We place great importance on the accuracy and relevance of our data. That's why we partner directly with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure that the information we share comes from trusted sources and is released only to parties that have been thoroughly vetted and been granted specific role-based permissions.
The benefit? By organizing and compiling data within the battery explorer, stakeholders such as BESS builders, OEMs, and recyclers can evaluate end-of-life (EOL) batteries available on the market. The data ranges from raw materials to complete battery packs, which empowers users to finally get answers to the initial questions mentioned at the beginning of the piece – on points such as volumes of Tesla modules, how many configurations there are of 14S2P, and the total tonnage of NMC available.
A note on Battery Passports
As the industry grapples with the challenge of disparate battery information, the proposed "Battery Passport" concept serves as a tentative step toward organization. This initiative, still in its early phases, is expected to offer a more structured approach to battery data, potentially easing the journey for those in the market for End-of-Life batteries.
Aiming to bring some level of standardization to technical specifications, the hope is that the Battery Passport may simplify some aspects of data assessment. With its full implementation for new batteries slated for 2027 under the EU battery regulation, its practicality and scope remain subjects of ongoing deliberation and finessing. For now, it represents a cautious optimism for a more streamlined approach in battery information management. There are multiple proposed battery passports, and the extent to which they will be interoperable is to be determined, but they will all need the right trading structure to be useful.
Cling is keeping an eye on developments with our own pilot with a leading Digital Product Passport (DPP) startup. More to come on that later.
Conclusion
Understanding the technical specifications of second-life batteries is a pivotal first step in leveraging their potential for sustainable energy solutions. Despite the challenges posed by the diversity and dispersion of information, initiatives like the Battery Passport and tools like the Battery Explorer are coming to the market.
As we continue to work on the complexities of battery technology, the progress towards a more informed and efficient future in battery sourcing becomes not only plausible but achievable.
More information
Register to Cling’s platform here.
Demo of the Battery Explorer is here.
For any trading enquiries on available supply or sourcing needs, click here.
