HiHELIOS will employ hybrid (high-Energy and high-Power) battery energy storage systems for improved system performance, lifetime and customization, with a modular approach. It uses off-the-shelf low-cost modular components such as batteries and power converters HESS can be customized quickly to the end-user demand.
HiHELIOS is an end-user-based project, wherein 4 demonstrators, are customized to 4 real-life use-cases, achieving direct impact as they will stay in use after the project lifetime and after 12 months demonstration. HiHELIOS will Integrate high-energy and high-power battery systems to develop a Hybrid Energy Storage System that is modular, scalable, flexible, cost effective, and long lifetime, by repurposing 2nd life batteries with new batteries and customized power converters. The innovation in the digital models (physics-based and data-driven) will support the design and manufacturing of the stationary Hybrid Energy Storage System including modular rack and thermal management system design using sustainable materials. A multi-layer, scalable and interoperable control system, easily upgradable to accommodate future infrastructure changes and including an advanced physics-based and data-driven State of Health diagnosis tool for Hybrid Energy Storage batteries will be developed.
The electricity demand in Europe is growing due to electrification, while the availability of renewable electricity is also growing. The electricity grid is reaching its limits in many places in Europe, reducing renewable energy generation due to oversupply or grid constraints, currently ranging from 2% to 12% of total RES generated in countries with high shares of renewable energy sources (RES). Long duration electrical energy storage systems can help to balance supply and demand, and prevent curtailment. Grid services provided by ESS require compromises between power and energy needs. Current single type battery storage technologies can only offer either high power storage, which is not able to provide long duration storage; or high energy storage, which is not able to cope with high power requirements. HiHELIOS aims to deliver a TRL 7 modular Hybrid Energy Storage Systems that combines high-power storage capabilities of Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LFP) batteries or supercapacitors, with high-energy storage capabilities of second-life Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) batteries. HiHELIOS will adapt the modular, flexible and scalable HESS architecture developed in the EU project SEABAT for marine applications at TRL 5-6, to grid applications and EV charging support. HiHELIOS aims to off-the-shelf battery modules and components, and repurposing EV 2nd life battery modules. Supported by digital models, HiHELIOS will custom design and manufacture a HESS for 4 use-cases for solving real-life hybrid energy storage challenges.
SINTEF leads the development of scalable control software for the hybrid energy storage system. This involves designing and validating algorithms for power and energy management, ensuring a seamless interaction between software and hardware and a safe, efficient and reliable operation of the system. Physics-based and data-driven models will be leveraged for state-of-health monitoring, fault diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. Working closely with partners, SINTEF will help creating detailed digital models that guide the optimal sizing and configuration of hardware components while ensuring the system meets rigorous safety standards. This integrated approach will enhance overall performance and extend the system’s lifecycle, laying the groundwork for future innovations in sustainable energy storage. After project completion, SINTEF will leverage the knowledge gained from HiHELIOS to offer new R&D services to the industry, contributing to future national and European projects.