Webinar Series
Webinar Series on Energy Storage and Transition led by a specialist in a field related to energy transition. Following each webinar, we will hold question-and-answer sessions and panel discussions to boost interaction and idea sharing. We will also gather and share useful resources like articles, reports, and case studies on energy transition, helping participants deepen their understanding.
Volume 11
Understanding and preventing failures in solid-state batteries
Assist. Prof. Dominic Spencer-Jolly
School of Metallurgy and Materials and a co-PI of the Energy Materials Group,
University of Birmingham, UK
Date and time: Jan 13, 2025 4:00-5:00 PM Bangkok Time (9:00-10:00 AM UK Time)
*Presented by ECS Thailand Section and e-ASIA ReSPECT Webinar Series
Volume 09
Improving the Stability of Silicon Anodes for Liquid Electrolyte Lithium-Ion Batteries
Dr. Nicholas P. Stadie
Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montana State University, USA
Date and time: Nov 25, 2024 1:00 PM Bangkok Time
*Presented by ECS Thailand Section and e-ASIA ReSPECT Webinar Series
*Presented by ECS Thailand Section and e-ASIA ReSPECT Webinar Series
Date and time: Nov 18, 2024 3:00 PM Bangkok Time
Volume 08
LIBs Recycling Process: Crushing Unit Development
Prof. Dr. Nurak Grisdanurak
Department of Chemical Engineering
Center of Excellence in Environmental Catalysis and Adsorption
Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University
Black mass (BM) from electric vehicle batteries and electric devices (EV batteries, LIBs) consists of precious compounds such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are key metals in LIBs, depending on the type of LIBs. These essential metals have not found domestically (Thailand) and must be imported. Due to environmental reasons, the availability of natural resources, and the high market prices of these critical metals used in LIBs, the government recognizes the need to recycle these precious metals following the principles of a Green Circular Economy.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has concerned on the benefits of a Green Circular Economy under the issue of increasing use of electric vehicles. The institute, therefore, has promoted research studies. This research project is the second in a series, focusing on "A prototype continuous operation unit for separation of black mass from electric vehicle batteries and electric devices with a production capacity of 50-100 kg batteries/hour."
The research outcomes could be extracted into the following points:
· The environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions from the crushing and separation process is only 3.30-4.47 kg CO2 eq per 25.9 kg of battery waste, which is much lower than using an incineration, which emits 655 kg CO2 eq per 25.9 kg of battery waste.
· The economic feasibility of operating the grinding system for 2,261 kilograms of spent batteries, sold as black mass, shows cost-effectiveness (price data as of May 31, 2024).
· Occupational health assessments indicate that the crushing process does not impact noise levels or cause heavy metal accumulation in workers throughout the operation. However, due to significant dust release, PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceed workplace TLV standards.
· The use of plasma technology to enhance the separation performance of black mass powder depends on the size of the dust particles (< 10 microns), and the plasma generation must be of an insulating barrier type.
Thailand has developed a sustainable logistics system for recycling lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), involving multiple stakeholders, as illustrated in the diagram below. This system plays a key role in promoting a circular green economy.
*Presented by ECS Thailand Section and e-ASIA ReSPECT Webinar Series
Date and time: Nov 11, 2024 3:00 PM Bangkok Time
Volume 07
High-Rates Capability of High Nickel-Free Cobalt NMA as Cathode for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Dr. Lukman Noerochim
Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Indonesia
LiNi0.9Mn0.1-xAlxO2 (Li-NMA) (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) cathodes were synthesized via the co-precipitation method and continued with the calcination process in a tube furnace at 750oC under a flowing oxygen gas for 12 hours. X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals a well-formed and high-purity phase with a hexagonal structure. LiNi0.9Mn0.07Al0.03O2 (NMA 973) has the best electrochemical performance with the lower redox peak separation, the smallest charge transfer resistance (29.69 Ω cm-2), and the highest specific discharge capacity of 172 mAh g-1 at 0.1C after 100 cycles. In high current density at 1C, the NMA 973 has excellent specific discharge capacity compared to other samples. The optimal content of Mn and Al elements is a crucial factor to obtain the best electrochemical performance of NMA. Therefore, it shows that NMA 973 has a promising candidate as a cathode for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries.
Keywords: Nickel, cobalt-free cathode, aluminum, co-precipitation, lithium-ion battery
*Presented by ECS Thailand Section and e-ASIA ReSPECT Webinar Series
Date and time: Nov 8, 2024 4:00 PM Bangkok Time (9:00 AM BST)
Volume 06
Advanced Metrology for Studying Catalyst Degradation & Li-ion Battery Drying Process
Dr Yeshui Zhang
School of Engineering
University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Insightfully understanding the process of volatiles from plastic depolymerization entering from the exterior into internal structure of catalyst favors to rationalize the catalyst design in scale-up principles. Herein, catalytic degradation of plastic wastes with fluid catalytic cracking catalyst (FCC) was investigated in-depth. The structural evolution of catalyst on overall scope, including the topology of heterogeneous pore systems and spatial distribution of zeolite was probed by X-ray nano-CT. The results showed that FCC enhanced the transformation of C16-C30 chains to C9-centered monocyclic aromatics. The nano-CT analysis of FCCs illustrated remarkable loss of exterior porosity after reaction, particularly at the depth of ~16.5 um from the outmost layer. While the interior pores were marginally affected, indicating large hydrocarbons incapable of engaging with active sites to full advantage, which preferably occupied large-size pores (>385 nm) of external surface. The performance of Li-ion batteries is determined by the architecture and properties of electrodes formed during manufacturing, particularly in the drying process when solvent is removed and the electrode structure is formed. A comparison of temperature effects on both NMC622-based cathodes (PVDF-based binder) and graphite-based anodes (water-based binder) dried at RT, 60, 80, 100 and 120 °C has been undertaken. X-ray computed tomography showed that NMC622 particles concentrated at the surface of the cathode coating except when dried at 60 °C. However, anodes showed similar graphite distributions at all temperatures. Focused-ion beam scanning electrode microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy suggested that the F-rich binder distribution was largely insensitive to temperature for cathodes. To date there is limited discussion of these processes in the literature due to the limitation of existing in-situ metrology. Here, ultrasound acoustic measurements are demonstrated as a promising tool to monitor the physical evolution of the electrode coating in-situ. A possible application of using this technique is to adjust the drying rates based upon the ultrasound readings at different drying stages to speed up the drying time. These findings prove this measurement can be used as a cost-effective and simple tool to provide characteristic diagnostics of the electrode, which can be applied in large scale coating manufacturing.
Date and time: Nov 1, 2024 3:00 PM Bangkok Time
Volume 05
Sunlight-Powered Waste-to-Value Conversion
Dr. Motiar Rahaman
Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Energy crisis and global warming are the two most challenging issues that the world is facing today. Still, in the 21st century, the current global energy consumption is highly dependent on non-renewable fossil fuel resources like coal, oil, and natural gas. Technological and industrial advancements not only accelerate the consumption of fossil fuels but also result in escalated greenhouse gas (especially carbon dioxide, CO2) emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, mitigating CO2 emissions and transitioning to a circular economy are urgent actions to safeguard our prosperous future. Carbon capture and utilization is a carbon-neutral process to recycle CO2 for the synthesis of valuable molecules powered by renewable energy. Plastic pollution, on the other hand, is another environmental concern, where most plastic recycling strategies are polluting or require a high energy input. Sunlight is the most abundant and exploitable energy source that can
power several waste-to-value transformations. Here, we demonstrate rational design of different photoelectrochemical systems for efficient solar-driven CO2 conversion and waste plastic upcycling into renewable fuels and chemicals. The development of efficient and scalable solar chemical technologies will lead us towards a sustainable, circular economy.
Date and time: May 10, 2024 2:30 PM Bangkok
Volume 04
Unlocking Innovation and Biophilic Development for Sustainable Tropical Cities
Prof. Ariya Aruninta
Department of Landscape Architecture
Chulalongkorn University
Head of the Healthy Environment Landscape and BioPhilic Planning - Research Unit (HEaL-BiP)
The pursuit of mitigating climate change is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially in tropical cities that are disproportionately affected by urban heat islands. This innovative approach integrates carbon neutrality, sustainable energy generation, and biophilic development to create thriving and resilient urban environments, emphasizing the connection between humans and nature.
Biophilic principles guide the design of ergonomic spaces, buildings, urban spaces, and energy systems, fostering a harmonious connection between humans and nature. By promoting active transportation, harnessing renewable energy, and incorporating green spaces, water features, and vertical gardens, we can reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and enhance well-being.
Strategic daylighting techniques optimize natural light while minimizing solar heat gain. Reflective surfaces and light-colored materials increase the albedo, reducing heat absorption and the need for energy-intensive cooling. This approach contributes to carbon neutrality and sustainable energy generation.
Date and time: Mar 15, 2024 11:00 AM Bangkok
Volume 03
Life cycle assessment of greenhouse gas emissions regarding passenger vehicles in South Korea
Prof. Han Ho Song
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Seoul National University
To achieve carbon neutrality, it is important to understand the holistic effect of applying a new technology, in order to avoid un-intended emissions either in upstream or downstream processes due to such application. In estimating the holistic effect, one of the most promising and accepted methodologies nowadays is life cycle assessment (LCA). The history of standardized LCA started mid ’90s, but it is only recently that LCA is widely adopted in various government rules and regulations, and such adoption keeps accelerated ever. Transportation sector (road, sea, rail, and air) has always been one of the main contributors of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the world, and thus it is no doubt that it has strict rules and regulations regarding GHG emissions and now adopts LCA-based approaches for the new rule settings. In this presentation, LCA results on the GHG emissions of passenger vehicles will be introduced in the context of South Korea. The general concept and history of LCA are firstly introduced, and the detailed approaches and results about automotive LCA are provided, i.e., fuel cycle and vehicle cycle. In the end, various decarbonizing options depending on the powertrain, are discussed to achieve the carbon neutrality in the future road transport.
Date and time: Mar 8, 2024 1:00 PM Bangkok
Volume 02
Pathway toward Carbon Neutrality in Thailand’s Electric Power Sector
Assoc.Prof.Dr.Kulyos Audomvongseree
Director of Energy Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University
To avoid the potential adverse impacts of climate change from global warming, it is suggested that the target of net zero emissions should be reached by this mid-century. Thailand is aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Since electricity generation is one of the largest producers of carbon dioxide emission, the associated emissions must be greatly reduced. New generation expansion plans should also be well developed.
This webinar focuses on the development of generation expansion plans considering Thailand’s latest policies, allowing new electricity generation technologies having low emissions, e.g., solar PV with battery and hydrogen blending in natural gas, to be integrated into generation expansion planning. Four scenarios with different levels of hydrogen mix are discussed.
Key findings indicate that Thailand can achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by promoting more use of renewable energy together with increased use of land for solar PV installation and hydrogen blended in natural gas. The lesson learned from this study provides crucial information about possible pathways to achieve carbon neutrality in the electricity sector.
Date and time: Feb 23, 2024 3:00 PM Bangkok
Volume 01
Predictive control for congestion management and decision-making on meshed electrical grids with high-power batteries
Prof. Sorin OLARU
Laboratory of Signals and Systems (CNRS)
University Paris-Saclay, France
Power generation has been undergoing a radical change due to the expansion of renewable energies. The part of the generation which can be characterized as intermittent and scarce is increasing in importance and is creating new overload constraints on electrical grids called congestions. In this context, batteries are gaining growing attention for their potential in congestion management. This talk will deal with the conception of new control algorithms relying on batteries aside the classical renewable curtailment to solve congestions on the meshed electrical grids. The control is based on two levels. The upper level relates to planification and the lower level is dedicated to real-time congestion management. The lower level is developed using Model Predictive Control and provides a framework to take into account delays on control actions. The upper level covers the batteries trajectories planning, supports the lower level and defines batteries capacity used for real-time congestion management and the residual capacities of these batteries. This level can thus be used to define a multi-service framework for batteries.