Technology that transforms research
How the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin’s RX instruments are setting new standards in battery research
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) shines as an international pioneer at the heart of battery research. With a clear vision for the future of energy storage, the research group led by Dr Ingo Manke at the Institute for Electrochemical Energy Storage recently installed two state-of-the-art X-ray CT machines from RX Solutions: The EasyTom 150/160 and the UltraTom 230 kV. These machines mark technological milestones and have revolutionised how scientists study complex energy storage systems.
Technology that transforms research
EasyTom 150/160: This device enables high-resolution ex-situ measurements. Under precisely defined conditions, researchers can analyse the tiniest material details, often decisive for battery performance.
UltraTom 230 kV: A real all-rounder - thanks to the generous space available and the ability to work in a shielded room, this device is perfect for in-situ experiments. The Operando control is particularly impressive, allowing material changes to be analysed in real-time and under operating conditions. Testing batteries under heat, pressure or mechanical stress provides findings that are worth their weight in gold in practice.
In addition, AI-supported algorithms ensure dynamic data analysis, while an innovative sample changer significantly increases the efficiency of the tests.
"This technology not only gets us to our goal faster, it also opens up completely new dimensions of research," explains Dr Nikolay Kardjilov, one of the leading minds behind the experiments.
A prestige project with global relevance
"Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin plays a key role in international battery research. Our CT instruments are a collection point for projects that attract interest not only here, but also from industry and global partners worldwide," says Dr Manke. “The measurements that are possible with the RX devices are unique. This technological edge makes the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin a pioneer and a driver of innovation in the industry.”
Science for the Future
The project is not only a success for the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, but also a signal for future research. The combination of innovative technology, data-driven analysis and international collaboration shows how ground-breaking advances in energy storage can be realised.
With the RX instruments, the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has not only raised the bar but has also ushered in a new era in materials science. And this is just the beginning.
Perfect synergy with PHI GmbH
"A key success factor in the introduction of these technologies was the collaboration with PHI GmbH. The work went smoothly and on a basis of trust - that's rare these days. The delivery, installation and commissioning of the systems were professionally organised so that we were able to meet the time frame without any problems," says Dr Kardjilov.
He particularly emphasises how important this reliability was for a project of such prestige: "Everything had to run perfectly for us, and with PHI GmbH it did."
Project management agency and further information
This project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the FORBATT project ‘Machine Learning supported automated laboratory for multi-dimensional Operando Tomography of solid-state batteries under real operating conditions– TomoFestBattLab’ (FKZ 03XP0462).
Find out more about the project on the official website of the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin: Find project details
Further information about the project management agency can be found at:
Project management organisation Jülich
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) is one of Germany's leading research institutes and a member of the Helmholtz Association. Located in Berlin, HZB focuses on researching innovative material systems and energy technologies that are crucial for a sustainable energy future. The centre is particularly renowned for its work in materials research, battery development, and the advancement of new methods, such as X-ray tomography. HZB operates large-scale research facilities, including the electron storage ring BESSY II, and collaborates closely with partners in academia and industry around the globe.
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