By Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Related Vitality, a agency with experience in utilizing batteries for power storage.
Image this, it’s Friday evening and also you’re watching the ever-popular TV recreation present Household Fortunes. The query comes up: “What objects are sometimes discarded when nonetheless 75% full?” Stale bread, lengthy forgotten condiments, and unloved cosmetics all come up as in style solutions, however how many individuals would have guessed an EV battery?
The reply is probably going near zero, however the actuality is that yearly tens of hundreds of EV batteries might be retired from automobiles when their capability drops to round 75%. Nonetheless, in contrast to these out-of-date condiments that are destined for the bin, many EV batteries may have a second life by being transformed into stationary storage.
With over 100 million EV batteries anticipated to be retired within the subsequent decade, and a fast-growing power storage market globally, repurposing spent EV batteries into stationary storage represents an thrilling, high-value sector. Certainly, the worldwide power storage market is ready to develop by 21% yearly to 2030, in line with BNEF whereas considerations over the provision of vital minerals to fabricate new batteries persist. As well as, extending the battery’s helpful life by as much as 100% can alleviate the rising problem for automotive unique gear producers (OEMs), who, regardless of restricted recycling amenities, are required by regulation to gather and get rid of EV batteries appropriately.
Repurposing EV batteries into stationary storage
Earlier than Related Vitality repurposes a battery, it should first cross a historical past and well being examine, together with a bodily inspection to make sure it has not been concerned in a collision, exhibits no indicators of harm or corrosion, and meets minimal efficiency standards. Most second-life battery inventory thought of by Related Vitality for stationary storage comes from fleet automobiles akin to vans by way of automotive OEMs, as these sometimes have wonderful traceability, good service historical past, and can be found in giant portions. Most fleet automobiles even have predictable each day obligation cycles and are charged steadily in a single day which makes them comparatively homogeneous when it comes to use and degradation.
Opposite to early trade expectations, battery degradation has not been as vital as anticipated. Our check knowledge revealed that underneath regular working situations, most second life batteries supply 80-85% effectivity, with theoretical lithium at all times on the excessive finish of 90% – not dissimilar to what’s skilled in a automotive. Equally, the information collected on obligation cycles is getting used to enhance prediction capabilities and guarantee sturdy security processes.
Utilizing second life batteries in stationary storage
Related Vitality’s system controls battery packs in pairs inside containerised techniques, starting from 24 to 100 packs relying on the required system capability, whereas utility-scale techniques are a lot bigger. A management system manages every pair, permitting increased capability packs to be referred to as upon extra regularly in order that packs attain the identical state of well being over time. The system additionally offers larger ranges of dynamism and suppleness, optimising how the batteries are used and monetised.
For instance, Nottingham Metropolis Council put in 600kW of second life stationary storage at their EV fleet depot to assist rework the location’s power use. The system shops extra electrical energy from three on-site photo voltaic arrays which is then used later to cost their EV fleet and scale back electrical energy use throughout peak occasions. Moreover, the location goals to take part in grid companies by buying and selling saved electrical energy and thru vehicle-to-grid companies by way of the 40 bi-directional EV chargers.
Every system is constantly monitored remotely with knowledge on working temperature, cost, effectivity and exception alerts analysed to evaluate system well being. Machine studying identifies anomalies, traits and relationships between the variables to information actual time operation and upkeep methods. Operational knowledge also can replace fashions and assumptions to enhance future techniques, and, in some situations, is shared with OEMs to enhance their understanding of battery efficiency in later life.
The way forward for second life batteries
The introduction of the Battery Passport within the EU in 2027 will improve knowledge availability on battery efficiency and sturdiness, supporting higher decision-making on the finish of a battery’s first life. Equally, we will anticipate that the EU Battery Regulation Modification – which has the aim of attaining sustainable battery lifecycles – to encourage extra collaborative methods of working, notably between battery OEMs and stationary storage suppliers.
New enterprise fashions are more likely to emerge, for instance the place OEMs retain the possession of their batteries and obtain income from their continued use. Lastly, as a marketplace for second life batteries develops, we’re more likely to see elevated engagement from giant fleet house owners, who might be considering maximising the worth that they’ll get from the sale of their batteries bringing the general lifecycle prices down.
The potential for second life batteries in stationary storage is immense. The subsequent 5 years will see a big enhance in batteries that may supply a viable various to new batteries, and in doing so handle a number of key power challenges within the UK; from the necessity for grid storage to assist larger renewables penetration and enhance power safety to offering further energy capability to assist the electrification agenda. Over the previous decade, Related Vitality has developed the required applied sciences to harness this chance and is now poised to scale up.
