Who are we?
We are the B&ESS-CTU research group, which is engaged in research in the field of energy storage systems and their applications.
The application of batteries is addressed in various areas—from electromobility and home storage systems to space applications. Our research includes both experimental testing and diagnostics, as well as the development of numerical models and control systems. We have also been dedicated to the second use of batteries, their recycling, and the evaluation of environmental or economic impacts within the entire lifecycle.
More information and updates about our group can be found at:
B&ESS-CTU is made up of more than 20 members—from students to experienced researchers.
Get to know our team and its areas of specialization. Learn more.
Among our most significant research topics are:
Battery Testing and Characterization
Research is focused on the measurement of electrical and thermal parameters of battery cells and modules. Typically, cell characterization is performed in various modes (cycling, pulse loading, storage) and with the use of a wide range of diagnostic methods—from electrochemical measurements to analyses of aging and fault states.
Modeling and Lifetime Prediction
Within the group, models for describing battery behavior are being developed, focusing also on the prediction of remaining capacity and lifespan. The models are based on both experimental data and physical principles. For heat transfer simulations, numerical calculations by the finite element method (FEM) are used, which also serve for the design and optimization of thermal management systems.
Control Systems and Software Tools
Furthermore, algorithms are being developed for estimating State of Charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH), and Remaining Useful Life (RUL). Group members are dedicated to the development and implementation of Battery Management Systems (BMS), Thermal Management Systems (TMS), and Energy Management Systems (EMS), including diagnostics and data support.
Battery Second Life
Our research is focused on the evaluation of the condition of used batteries and their potential for further use after the primary function has ended. Electrochemical properties, the degree of degradation, and safety risks are monitored with the aim of determining suitability for second-life applications, such as stationary storage or backup systems. Evaluation is carried out using laboratory tests and methods focused on changes in cell behavior over time.
Battery End-of-Life Treatment & Recycling
Our activities are focused on the development and optimization of processes for end-of-life battery treatment, in accordance with applicable legislative and safety requirements. Individual steps of recycling pre-treatment are addressed, such as discharging, crushing, and separation of fractions, with an emphasis on the effective recovery of black mass. The analysis of changes in the material composition of cells and the stability of electrolytes is also part of the research, especially through the identification of volatile organic compounds by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
Environmental and Economic Impact Assessment
The impacts of technologies are assessed throughout their entire lifecycle (Life Cycle Assessment), with a focus on both environmental burden and economic costs. For the evaluation of technological variants and investment costs of systems across different application scenarios, multi-criteria analytical methods are used. The results obtained serve as a basis for decision-making on the selection of suitable technological processes or the design of optimization strategies.
Inductive Power Transfer
Our research is focused on contactless energy transfer using magnetic induction for battery charging. Among the topics examined are bidirectional charging of electric vehicles, detection of metal objects, optimization of transfer coils, and the development and control of power electronics.
Our application-oriented research is oriented on specific areas of battery system use—from the design and testing of modules for electric vehicles, through hybrid and home storage, to systems for space missions such as satellites. The group contributes to the design of storage solutions integrated with renewable sources and participates in the development of energy management systems. More information about our equipment and laboratories can be found HERE.
Students of bachelor’s and master’s studies are actively involved in the group in the form of semester projects and final theses. Topics for projects and final theses can be found HERE, or in the semester project application.
In case of interest in a specific research area that is not among the listed topics, do not hesitate to contact us!
Research results are implemented in cooperation with other research groups and industrial partners and further developed within national and international projects.
Research Projects
Our projects are focused on the practical use of battery systems and their sustainable processing, often within interdisciplinary cooperation across the academic sphere and industry.
Current projects:
- Božek Vehicle Engineering National Center of Competence (BOVENAC: FACME), TN02000054 TAČR.
- The Energy Conversion and Storage (ECO&Stor), CZ.02.01.01/00/22_008/0004617, Programme Johannes Amos Comenius (OPJAK).
- SGS CTU: Advanced Battery Technologies I.
Courses
We operate and support teaching in the following courses: Solar Systems and Electrochemical Sources, Applications of Electrochemical Sources, Independent Sources, Battery Testing, Modeling and State Estimation, and Ecology and Materials.
Cooperation
