TY - JOUR A1 - Rufino Júnior, Carlos Antônio A1 - Riva Sanseverino, Eleonora A1 - Gallo, Pierluigi A1 - Koch, Daniel A1 - Diel, Sergej A1 - Walter, Gero A1 - Trilla, Lluís A1 - Ferreira, Victor José A1 - Benveniste, Gabriela A1 - Kotak, Yash A1 - Eichman, Joshua A1 - Schweiger, Hans-Georg A1 - Zanin, Hudson T1 - Towards to Battery Digital Passport: Reviewing Regulations and Standards for Second-Life Batteries JF - Batteries N2 - Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation harm the environment. In response to these environmental concerns, numerous countries encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Advances in battery technology have made batteries an alternative solution for energy storage in stationary applications and for electric mobility. Reduced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) production costs due to economies of scale, electrode material and cell design developments, and manufacturing process improvements have driven this success. This trend is expected to increase the number of LIBs on the market that may be discarded in the environment at the end of their useful life if more sustainable alternatives are not technologically mature. This coming environmental concern can be mitigated by collecting wasted EV batteries, reconfiguring them, and reusing them for applications with less stringent weight, performance, and size requirements. This method would extend battery life and reduce environmental effects. The present work investigates the main regulatory structures of the second-life battery industry that require rules, technical standards, and laws. To achieve this objective, a systematic review was carried out following a strict protocol that includes identifying relevant studies, extracting data and information, evaluating, and summarizing information. This paper explains the primary rules and technical standards governing the second-life battery business. The findings highlight the need for universities, research institutions, and government agencies to evaluate the second-life battery industry objectively. This would enable the creation of new technological regulations and laws for this burgeoning industry. UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10040115 Y1 - 2024 UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries10040115 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-46455 SN - 2313-0105 VL - 10 IS - 4 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Hußenether, Thomas A1 - Rufino Júnior, Carlos Antônio A1 - Selaibe Pires, Tomás A1 - Mishra, Tarani A1 - Nahar, Jinesh A1 - Vaghani, Akash A1 - Polzer, Richard A1 - Diel, Sergej A1 - Schweiger, Hans-Georg T1 - Analysis of the Measurement Uncertainties in the Characterization Tests of Lithium-Ion Cells JF - Energies N2 - The transition to renewable energy systems and electric mobility depends on the effectiveness, reliability, and durability of lithium-ion battery technology. Accurate modeling and control of battery systems are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in electric vehicles and grid storage. In engineering and materials science, battery models depend on physical parameters such as capacity, energy, state of charge (SOC), internal resistance, power, and self-discharge rate. These parameters are affected by measurement uncertainty. Despite the widespread use of lithium-ion cells, few studies quantify how measurement uncertainty propagates to derived battery parameters and affects predictive modeling. This study quantifies how uncertainty in voltage, current, and temperature measurements reduces the accuracy of derived parameters used for simulation and control. This work presents a comprehensive uncertainty analysis of 18650 format lithium-ion cells with nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes. It applies the law of error propagation to quantify uncertainty in key battery parameters. The main result shows that small variations in voltage, current, and temperature measurements can produce measurable deviations in internal resistance and SOC. These findings challenge the common assumption that such uncertainties are negligible in practice. The results also highlight a risk for battery management systems that rely on these parameters for control and diagnostics. The results show that propagated uncertainty depends on chemistry because of differences in voltage profiles, kinetic limitations, and temperature sensitivity. This observation informs cell selection and testing for specific applications. Improved quantification and control of measurement uncertainty can improve model calibration and reduce lifetime and cost risks in battery systems. These results support more robust diagnostic strategies and more defensible warranty thresholds. This study shows that battery testing and modeling should report and propagate measurement uncertainty explicitly. This is important for data-driven and physics-informed models used in industry and research. UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030825 Y1 - 2026 UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en19030825 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-66630 SN - 1996-1073 VL - 19 IS - 3 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rufino Júnior, Carlos Antônio A1 - Riva Sanseverino, Eleonora A1 - Gallo, Pierluigi A1 - Amaral, Murilo Machado A1 - Koch, Daniel A1 - Kotak, Yash A1 - Diel, Sergej A1 - Walter, Gero A1 - Schweiger, Hans-Georg A1 - Zanin, Hudson T1 - Unraveling the Degradation Mechanisms of Lithium-Ion Batteries JF - Energies N2 - Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) usually present several degradation processes, which include their complex Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) formation process, which can result in mechanical, thermal, and chemical failures. The SEI layer is a protective layer that forms on the anode surface. The SEI layer allows the movement of lithium ions while blocking electrons, which is necessary to prevent short circuits in the battery and ensure safe operation. However, the SEI formation mechanisms reduce battery capacity and power as they consume electrolyte species, resulting in irreversible material loss. Furthermore, it is important to understand the degradation reactions of the LIBs used in Electric Vehicles (EVs), aiming to establish the battery lifespan, predict and minimise material losses, and establish an adequate time for replacement. Moreover, LIBs applied in EVs suffer from two main categories of degradation, which are, specifically, calendar degradation and cycling degradation. There are several studies about battery degradation available in the literature, including different degradation phenomena, but the degradation mechanisms of large-format LIBs have rarely been investigated. Therefore, this review aims to present a systematic review of the existing literature about LIB degradation, providing insight into the complex parameters that affect battery degradation mechanisms. Furthermore, this review has investigated the influence of time, C-rate, depth of discharge, working voltage window, thermal and mechanical stresses, and side reactions in the degradation of LIBs. UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143372 Y1 - 2024 UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143372 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-49089 SN - 1996-1073 VL - 17 IS - 14 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Salamat, Babak A1 - Mattern, Dominik A1 - Olzem, Sebastian-Sven A1 - Elsbacher, Gerhard A1 - Seidel, Christian A1 - Tonello, Andrea M. T1 - GMP3: Learning-Driven, Bellman-Guided Trajectory Planning for AAVs in Real-Time on SE(3) JF - IEEE Access N2 - We propose GMP3, a multiphase global path planning framework that generates dynamically feasible three-dimensional trajectories for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in cluttered environments. The framework extends traditional path planning from Euclidean position spaces to the Lie group SE(3), allowing joint learning of translational motion and rotational dynamics. A modified Bellman-based operator is introduced to support reinforcement learning (RL) policy updates while leveraging prior trajectory information for improved convergence. GMP3 is designed as a distributed framework in which agents influence each other and share policy information along the trajectory: each agent refines its assigned segment and shares with its neighbors via a consensus-based scheme, enabling cooperative policy updates and convergence toward a path shaped globally even under kinematic constraints.We also propose DroneManager, a modular ground control software that interfaces the planner with real UAVs platforms via the Micro Air Vehicle Link (MAVLink) protocol, supporting real-time deployment and feedback. Simulation studies and indoor flight experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in constrained 3D environments, demonstrating reliable obstacle avoidance and smooth, feasible trajectories across both position and orientation. UR - https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3661193 Y1 - 2026 UR - https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2026.3661193 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-66826 SN - 2169-3536 VL - 14 SP - 22720 EP - 22733 PB - IEEE CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Walter, Gero A1 - Diel, Sergej A1 - Rufino Júnior, Carlos Antônio A1 - Schweiger, Hans-Georg A1 - Valente de Bessa, Iury A1 - Mallmann, Maíra A1 - Kirsten Vidal de Oliveira, Aline A1 - Odilio Dos Santos, Daniel A1 - Rüther, Ricardo T1 - Operating Behavior of a Photovoltaic-driven Electrolysis System JF - Revista Brasileira de Energia Solar UR - https://doi.org/10.59627/rbens.2024v15i1.456 Y1 - 2024 UR - https://doi.org/10.59627/rbens.2024v15i1.456 SN - 2526-2831 VL - 15 IS - 1 SP - 82 EP - 92 PB - ABENS CY - São Paulo ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ngetuny, Joshua Kiplagat A1 - Baldauf, Tobias A1 - Zörner, Wilfried T1 - Evaluating Feedstock Pretreatment Methods to Unlock Co-Digestion in Small-Scale Biogas Systems: A Multi-Criteria Approach to System Integration and Decision Making JF - Energies N2 - Small-scale biogas plants in developing countries present a viable alternative to traditional polluting energy sources, particularly in rural and underserved communities. These systems typically rely on locally sourced livestock manure; however, inconsistent supply often results in underfeeding, reduced biogas production, and, in many cases, system abandonment. Co-digestion with crop residues presents a promising strategy to enhance feedstock availability and system resilience. However, the recalcitrant nature of lignocellulosic biomass and limited access to suitable pretreatment technologies have constrained its adoption. This paper evaluates feasible pretreatment methods for integrating crop residues, especially straw, into small-scale biogas systems. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), pretreatment methods are assessed based on five criteria: (i) technology simplicity, (ii) energy requirements, (iii) capital and operational costs, (iv) effectiveness, and (v) environmental impact. The analysis identifies microbial pretreatment using the liquid fraction of digestate, combined with mechanical size reduction, as the most suitable approach for small-scale implementation, utilizing low-cost, simplified mechanical devices adaptable to various crop residues with minimal energy input. A conceptual design of a demonstration plant is proposed to validate this integrated pretreatment approach and assess its impact on biogas yield, system performance, and technology adoption. The design incorporates an on-site digestate separation unit to supply microbial inoculum and emphasizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness in material handling and energy use. Pilot trials are proposed to evaluate key performance indicators, including specific methane yield (LCH4/gVS added), volatile solids reduction (%), and methane content increase (%), ensuring evidence-based adoption and practical applicability of the design. UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051303 Y1 - 2026 UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en19051303 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-67479 SN - 1996-1073 VL - 19 IS - 5 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ngetuny, Joshua Kiplagat A1 - Baldauf, Tobias A1 - Zörner, Wilfried T1 - Optimizing Feedstock Selection for Sustainable Small-Scale Biogas Systems Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process JF - Energies N2 - Small-scale biogas systems can play a pivotal role in sustainable energy provision, particularly in developing countries. However, their dependence on livestock manure as the only feedstock poses challenges to their adoption and long-term viability. This often leads to insufficient biogas production and plant abandonment. This study proposes co-digestion of livestock manure with other farm residues to enhance the technical sustainability of small-scale biogas systems by ensuring adequate and consistent biogas production throughout the plant’s lifespan, minimizing the risks associated with reliance on a single feedstock. A novel feedstock selection approach is developed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multicriteria decision-making method, to prioritize feedstocks based on adequacy, supply consistency, and logistical ease. AHP is chosen due to its capability to handle both quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria. This approach is applied to the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco, which offers abundant livestock and crop residues alongside product utilization pathways. The prioritization and ranking of the potential feedstocks identified in the region reveals cattle manure as the top-ranked feedstock due to its consistent supply and ease of collection, followed by straw, valued for its storability and nutrient stability. Sheep, horse, and chicken manure ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, while household food waste and fruit and vegetable residues, limited by seasonality and perishability, were ranked lower. Based on these findings, co-digestion of cattle manure and straw is proposed as a sustainable strategy for small-scale biogas plants in Fès-Meknès, addressing feedstock shortages, enhancing biogas production, and reducing plant abandonment. This approach strengthens technical sustainability and promotes the broader adoption of biogas technologies in developing countries. UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071739 Y1 - 2025 UR - https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071739 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-57915 SN - 1996-1073 VL - 18 IS - 7 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Agricola, Barbara A1 - Bärtl, Marko A1 - Landesberger, Martin A1 - Zhao, Huan A1 - Palm, Frank A1 - Kerschenlohr, Annegret A1 - Jägle, Eric A. T1 - The columnar to bimodal transition of Al–Cr–Mo–Sc–Zr alloys during laser powder bed fusion JF - Materials & Design N2 - Aluminium alloys processed via Powder Bed Fusion using a Laser Beam (PBF-LB) enable complex and lightweight components. Especially high-strength and heat-resistant Al alloys are in high demand for aerospace and motorsports applications, but the processability of these alloys remains critical due to hot-cracking along columnar grains. Therefore, the microstructural control of PBF-LB alloys is under increasing consideration. Al-Cr alloys have shown promising high-temperature properties and good processability in previous studies despite having a coarse and fully columnar grain structure. In this study, Al-Cr-Mo-Sc-Zr alloys with different compositions are subjected to phase analysis to understand the transition from fully columnar to bimodal grain structures. Synchrotron diffraction, electron dispersive spectroscopy, and atom probe tomography results have shown that three phases are present, irrespective of the alloys’ composition: 𝛼-Al, Al45Cr7, and Al3(Sc,Zr). The introduction of Cr increases the lattice mismatch between 𝛼-Al and Al3(Sc,Zr) and is suspected to hinder grain refinement by Sc and Zr. Various thermodynamic simulations revealed the effect of grain refining elements (Sc+Zr) and Cr on the solidification path. The combination of simulation and experimental investigations led to three hypotheses on the columnar to bimodal transition in Al-Cr alloys. These results will help to further enable the microstructural control of PBF-LB processed alloys. UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115770 Y1 - 2026 UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115770 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-67559 SN - 0264-1275 VL - 2026 IS - 264 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ngetuny, Joshua Kiplagat A1 - Hsaine, Jalal A1 - Mabrouki, Abdelaalim A1 - Rachidi, Fouad A1 - El Asli, Abdelghani A1 - Zörner, Wilfried T1 - Assessment of agricultural residues for small-scale biogas plants and adoption drivers: a case study of the Fès-Meknès region in Morocco JF - Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery N2 - Small-scale biogas systems hold promise as reliable renewable energy sources in developing nations; however, adequate and consistent supply of feedstock remains a challenge. Agricultural residue, due to their lack of competition with food crops for resources, is touted as a dependable feedstock choice. This article therefore examines agricultural residues as potential biogas plant feedstocks in the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco, using a structured farm survey to evaluate livestock types, crop varieties, and residue utilization. Additionally, the study explores the challenges and drivers influencing biogas technology adoption in Morocco. Findings indicate a predominance of small-scale farms with livestock (averaging 11 cattle, 45 sheep, and 20 chicken) and mainly subsistence crop production, making these farms suitable candidates for small-scale biogas plants. Key barriers to adoption include a lack of awareness about the technology, along with technical and financial constraints. However, raising awareness, establishing demonstration plants, and offering financial and non-financial incentives are identified as potential drivers of adoption. This research provides a foundation for implementing biogas technologies in the case study area and other developing nations, guiding researchers and governmental and non-governmental organizations in disseminating small-scale biogas systems as a reliable energy source and a method for converting agricultural residues into sustainable energy (biogas) and fertilizer. Graphical Abstract UR - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-06443-y Y1 - 2025 UR - https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-06443-y UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-55523 SN - 2190-6815 VL - 15 IS - 22 SP - 29207 EP - 29223 PB - Springer CY - Berlin ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Volpato, Guilherme A1 - de Souza Pinto Pereira, Adriano A1 - Neumeier, Steffen A1 - Hotza, Dachamir A1 - Göken, Mathias A1 - Tetzlaff, Ulrich A1 - Fredel, Márcio Celso T1 - Influence of a Standard Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Properties of Inconel X‐750 Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion JF - Advanced Engineering Materials N2 - The production of nickel‐base superalloys through powder bed fusion using a laser beam (PBF‐LB) offers a promising method for reducing the cost of aeronautical components, especially those with complex geometries. However, when these materials are processed using PBF‐LB, the standard heat treatments developed for conventional manufacturing routes do not consistently yield predictable microstructures or mechanical properties. Thus, this study analyzes how PBF‐LB affects the microstructure and mechanical behavior of Inconel alloy X‐750 when compared to a hot‐rolled counterpart after undergoing a standard precipitation‐hardening heat treatment (solution annealing, stabilization, and precipitation). Microstructure is examined using analytical electron microscopy and high‐energy X‐ray diffraction, while mechanical behavior is assessed through microhardness. Significant differences between both manufacturing routes are detected, so that PBF‐LB processing led to an increase in grain size, anisotropy, fraction of low‐angle grain boundaries, mean angle of misorientation, and dislocation density. Moreover, PBF‐LB promoted the formation of γ′‐Ni3(Al,Ti) and η‐Ni3Ti phases during solution annealing and stabilization, respectively. Notably, the formation of γ′ contributes to an anomalous microhardness increase observed between these steps. These findings suggest that PBF‐LB may inhibit recrystallization and facilitate precipitation during heat treatment, thereby affecting the performance of components produced using this technology. UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202500306 Y1 - 2025 UR - https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.202500306 UR - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:bvb:573-67931 SN - 1527-2648 VL - 27 IS - 24 PB - Wiley CY - Weinheim ER -