Application of Sodium ion batteries for heavy-duty vehicles
Background of thesis project
The growing energy demand these last decades strongly impacted modern societies. Unfortunately, it yielded to negative environmental impacts, cost increase and geopolitical tensions. In this context, rechargeable batteries became key elements to compensate for this shortcoming. The Li-ion technology is currently dominating the market because of its high energy density and reliability. However, the low material availability and increasing prices of raw materials such as lithium and cobalt as well as their negative environmental impact is problematic for the automotive industry. In this context, alternative battery technologies are necessary and sodium ion (Na-ion) is certainly the most appealing to these days. Indeed, Na-ion batteries are expected to have energy densities comparable to LFP in 2027, a much lower cost than Li-ion and the Na-ion materials/elements are available worldwide. In addition, the expertise gathered from Li-ion allowed the Na-ion technology to reach a maturity where commercial products are already being launched. Although most of the applications have been dedicated to cars and stationary storages, heavy duty transportation should be considered in order to implement Na-ion batteries in our products i.e. Volvo trucks.
Suitable background
Of students
This thesis is suitable for one engineering student with an educational background within the field of chemical engineering, material science, electrical engineering, physics and/or chemistry. The thesis work requires programming knowledge in Python/Matlab for data analysis and COMSOL knowledge in model development.
Description of thesis work
An analytical study on the potential implementation of Na-ion batteries for heavy duty vehicles at Volvo.
Experimental testing of Na-ion batteries based on available Na-ion cells.
An electrochemical model of Na-ion batteries where this model will provide a physical understanding of the electrochemistry of the Na-ion battery cells, and thereby provide a platform for future engineering for our system.
Thesis Level: Master
Language: English
Starting date: January 2024
Number of students: 01
Tutor
Istaq Ahmed istaq.ahmed@volvo.com
Monti Damien damien.monti@volvo.com
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