Thenaisie, Guillaume (Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO)), Peteers, Serge (Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO))

VITO's Smart Cell: Advancing Lab-On-Cell Integration for Enhanced Battery Life-Cycle Monitoring and Control

Scheduled for presentation during the Regular Session "Battery modelling, identification and simulation" (WeA1), Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 12:00−12:20, Kapel

AAC 2025 11th IFAC International Symposium on Advances in Automotive Control, June 15-18, 2025, Eindhoven, Netherlands

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on June 1, 2025

Abstract

The Lab-on-Cell (LoC) concept represents a transformative approach to battery diagnostics and management by integrating advanced sensing systems directly into electrochemical cells. This innovation bridges the gap between laboratory-grade insights and real-world applications, enabling real-time monitoring of critical battery states such as safety, performance, and longevity. At the forefront of this paradigm shift is the SmartCell program under development at VITO, which introduces integrated circuits (ICs) that operate in four distinct modes: classical battery management system (BMS), storage and transportation, sorting and recycling, and manufacturing optimization.

In classical BMS mode, SmartCell enhances cell-level monitoring, fault detection, and balancing for improved safety and efficiency. In storage and transportation mode, it ensures 24/7 low-energy monitoring to detect and wirelessly report potential issues, guaranteeing safer logistics. The sorting and recycling mode leverages cell-level battery passports to streamline reuse, repurposing, and recycling processes, supporting circular energy goals. Finally, SmartCell facilitates manufacturing optimization by enabling in-situ quality control, reducing defects, and improving production yield.

This work discusses the technological, economic, and strategic benefits of SmartCell, including its role in advancing LoC technologies, improving manufacturing efficiencies, and bolstering Europe's competitiveness in the battery industry.