The term “third life” refers to batteries that have already been used a second time after their original use in a specific device and are now to be used for a third purpose. In other words, this is the next stage after the “second life”. Third life use often takes place in a battery storage system. There, Third Life batteries can be monitored around the clock, making their use particularly safe. We like to call this “assisted living for batteries”.
Why use batteries in a third life?
Due to economic and ecological sustainability! Batteries often work longer than the devices or vehicles in which they are used. Due to the valuable and sometimes toxic components, it would make little sense to throw away intact batteries. In the past, a third life for batteries was unthinkable because too little was known about their condition. Thanks to NOVUM’s AI-based battery diagnostics and battery storage monitoring, you can now use intact third-life batteries. This is particularly beneficial for companies that generate a lot of used batteries or require a lot of energy.
What criteria should a battery fulfill so that it can be reused in a third life?
Before being used for a third life, batteries must always be tested. With NOVUM, this can be done in a matter of seconds and without any prior information about the battery history. The data collected provides information on the following aspects:
- State of Health: The cells of the battery should still be in an acceptable condition after the second life. In particular, uneven ageing of the cells could lead to risks and problems in the third life.
- Possible defects: Never use batteries in a third life that already show defects from the outside. Even a battery that appears to be in top condition at first glance may be impaired in its performance or already have significant dendrite formation. To determine the exact condition, a test with NOVUM-KI is necessary.
- Residual capacity: For batteries to be useful in a third life, they need a sufficiently high residual capacity. As soon as we know what you want to use the battery for, we can check in just 90 seconds on our AI-based stationary test systems whether it meets the requirements.
- Temperature tolerance: Temperature fluctuations can accelerate the ageing process of batteries. However, for a battery to be used in Third Life, it is important that it can withstand a normal range of different temperatures
- Acceptable charging capacity: The charging capacity of a battery that has already had two lives is naturally no longer as good as that of a freshly produced battery. However, if the battery is to be used again, it must still be possible to charge it efficiently. Here, too, it is important that we discuss in advance which usage scenarios you are planning.
- Compatibility with intended use: Not every battery that has already had two lives is suitable for all applications. With NOVUM technology, you can check whether your batteries are still suitable for the intended purpose.
- Intact battery management system: The battery management system should not be defective if a third life is planned for a battery. Sometimes it can make sense to replace the BMS, especially if the battery was previously installed in a vehicle and is now to be used in a battery storage system, for example.
How is the suitability of batteries for reuse in a third life tested?
You can test batteries or individual battery cells before their third life on our Battery Analyzer or, if required, on our Cell Analyzer. For battery diagnostics, we use electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in combination with artificial intelligence. Specifically, this means that we send a current pulse into the cell and thus obtain an image of the battery chemistry at various points. In contrast to conventional internal resistance measurement, NOVUM measures at many different points (frequencies). The curve that we obtain in this way is then analyzed by the NOVUM AI in a very short time. As a result, we receive valid information on the state of health and can see exactly whether the battery has any abnormalities that represent a risk. The data is clearly displayed on a screen next to the test system for the responsible employees in your company.
What regulatory challenges are there in the use of third-life batteries?
The use of used batteries is linked to regulatory challenges. These vary from country to country. For companies in Germany, for example, the Battery Act and the new European Battery Regulation are relevant. You should clarify the following aspects before giving batteries a third life after testing with NOVUM technology
- Environmental requirements and disposal regulations:
Environmental regulations and disposal regulations contain precise specifications for the collection, storage, transportation and handling of batteries.
- Dangerous goods transportation regulations:
Due to their battery chemistry, batteries present certain hazards. The transportation of used batteries in particular is subject to regulations. Always use appropriate transport containers or directly commission a logistics company that is familiar with batteries.
- Certifications:
The use of Third Life batteries must comply with certain certifications to ensure that the necessary quality and safety standards are met. If you use our test system, you will receive a label for each battery with which you can prove that we have tested the battery and assigned it to a specific quality category.
- Import and export restrictions:
Depending on the country, there may be regulatory challenges with regard to the import or export of used batteries. Be sure to check in advance whether these affect you and your business partners.
Would you like to talk to us about the use of second- or third-life batteries? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Together, we will look at how you can use our AI-based battery diagnostics and battery storage monitoring from NOVUM as profitably as possible for your company.
