The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) has unveiled a groundbreaking method combining quantum sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the safe and efficient upcycling of lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the QuaLiProM project aims to determine the residual power and remaining service life of used batteries non-destructively, paving the way for sustainable second-life applications.
At the core of this innovation is the use of diamond-based quantum sensors, which measure the magnetic fields of battery cells with high precision. These sensors detect anomalies, defects, and the state of charge without requiring time-consuming charging cycles, making them ideal for industrial integration. The data collected is analyzed using AI-driven deep learning methods to classify battery health and identify cells suitable for upcycling.
The project, led by Industrial Dynamics GmbH, involves collaboration with Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nehlsen AG, and other partners. FAU is responsible for developing quantum sensors and analyzing magnetic field data, while Fraunhofer IFAM focuses on AI-based State-of-Health (SoH) classification. The goal is to scale this technology for industrial use, promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste in battery production and recycling.
For more information, visit Fraunhofer IFAM’s press release here.
February 3, 2025