Energy Storage Systems Evaluation
NREL's system evaluation project assesses the impact of a wide range of factors on all-electric vehicles (EVs) and their energy storage systems. Evaluating technical targets, weighing trade-offs among vehicle parameters, and investigating the interaction of energy storage modules with full automotive systems are vital to the design of successful batteries, energy storage components, and systems.
Researchers analyze the effects of climate, driver behavior, driving patterns, and battery thermal management strategies on energy storage systems and entire vehicles, as well as the broader techno-economic ramifications of EV ownership scenarios. Examination of conventional ownership scenarios, along with more advanced business models and range extension strategies such as battery swapping and fast charging, identify opportunities to make all-electric vehicles more cost competitive. Partnerships with major automotive and battery manufacturers supply researchers with real-world driving data that act as the bases for these models, combined with data collected in NREL's thermal characterization laboratories.
NREL systems evaluation activity is focused in four areas, exploring:
- Analysis and simulation of battery lifetime
- Through-life techno-economic evaluation of EVs and battery ownership
- The viability and logistics of and market-viable applications for battery second use
- Enhancement of battery lifespan, performance, and safety through control algorithms.
Contacts
For more information on NREL's:
- Battery ownership and second-use activities, contact Eric Wood, 303-275-3290.
- Energy storage control algorithm activities, contact Kandler Smith, 303-275-4423.