Comau developing innovative battery cell formation solutions for GIGABAT project

Italian automation firm Comau is joining the GIGABAT, a collaborative e-mobility project aimed at strengthening the EU production chain for large-scale cell manufacturing, with the development of its innovative and energy efficient cell formation chamber. 

The Stellantis-owned company claims that its technology is expected to deliver an electric and thermal energy savings of up to 20 percent, compared to similar solutions available on the market. The result is attributed to the recovery and reuse of excess heat and electricity produced during the intense, multi-day cell activation procedure.

Comau adds that it will leverage innovative power distribution systems and energy-efficient power electronics (PE) to avoid energy losses while reducing overall energy demand. The company will also rely on its proprietary algorithms and powerful digital enablers to further optimize the lengthy and highly complex cell formation process.

"Europe is moving towards an increasingly self-contained battery production chain and energy-efficient cell manufacturing is key to achieving this goal. E-mobility already represents a relevant and fast growing part of Comau's business portfolio. Initiatives such as Gigabat, which go hand-in-hand with our technology development strategy and our ongoing dedication to enabling and optimizing sustainable automation, will allow us to increasingly cover all phases of the electrification life cycle", said Comau's press statement. 

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The latest development reinforces its dedication to industrializing sustainable, cost-effective e-mobility solutions, the company affirms. Comau is actively involved in three of Europe's top battery consortiums, namely European Battery Alliance (EBA), the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA) and the European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP). 

Moreover, Comau is a partner of Upcell – European Battery Manufacturing Alliance, an association that promotes the creation of an integrated European value chain for the development and production of electric batteries, and is also participating in numerous other electrification projects as part of the HORIZON 2020 and HORIZON EUROPE programs.

Led by Cidetec Energy Storage, GIGABAT is bringing together European companies and suppliers that can help Europe achieve a leadership position in battery cell production while optimizing energy efficiency and resource utilization. 

In parallel, the project aims to promote collaboration between industrial-scale cell manufacturers, battery process equipment companies, material suppliers, and grid energy providers, all of whom will ensure that sustainability and efficiency standards are met every step of the way.