WinZIB2 – Globally Applicable, Innovative Zinc Ion Battery System

Electrical energy storage (EES) is a key element of the global energy transition. This applies to many regions in Germany as well as in the global south. In some cases, the latter have an inadequate energy supply infrastructure, but great potential for renewable power generation. Decentralized energy supply concepts based on renewable energies offer the opportunity for economic development here. EES can support by serving power grid stability in addition to the supply task. On the one hand, EESs must be sufficiently efficient under climate conditions, while at the same time being cost-effective and safe. Lithium-ion EES appear less suitable for this purpose, so alternative battery technologies are needed.

Based on the results of a one-year concept phase, the WinZIB2 project is pursuing the concept of a modular Zinc-Ion battery system (ZIB) based on the material combination of zinc and manganese dioxide and a water-based electrolyte. The materials can be obtained worldwide and easily recycled. They are non-critical and non-flammable. The optimization of the WinZIB2 system is primarily aimed at cost efficiency, as well as reliability and safety in operation. This is based on operating conditions in Germany and Europe as well as in the global south. The marketing concept will also focus on these regions as target markets.

The primary use case of the WinZIB2 storage system is to support the local energy self-sufficiency of a building in combination with an energy generation system (e.g. PV system). In particular, the modularity of the ZIB will be kept in focus to ensure flexible application possibilities. 

The following objectives will be pursued within the framework of the project:

• Optimization of the ZIB technology with regard to efficiency, capacity and aging, 
• Creation of a production process planning according to Industry 4.0 standard with piloting of individual production sections,
• Production of ZIB prototypes in lab-scale and the partially automated operation of a pilot production,
• Conceptual design of a ZIB (e.g. with 10 kWh) with battery and energy management system, housing, wiring concept considering a modular storage concept,
• Creation of a certification concept with battery tests under real application conditions,
• Optimization of the cost structure based on the cost calculations prepared in the concept phase,
• Creation of a business model, a marketing strategy and a concept for recycling the ZIB.

The project is coordinated by Fraunhofer ISE with a focus on cell research with material/cell and module development as well as the development of the ZIB and operation management strategies. This involves collaboration with the Institute for Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart in the area of modeling. The development of the production and process technology is carried out by acp systems AG. Production planning and electronics development will be carried out by Helmut Hechinger GmbH. The business model and the marketing strategy will be developed together with the subcontractor StoREgio GmbH.