Circular Economy: JT Energy Systems cooperates with NOVUM on battery recycling

Not just talk, but action! – When it comes to ecological and economic sustainability, JT Energy Systems is one of the pioneers in its industry. Since 2019, the joint venture between Jungheinrich and Triathlon has been producing lithium-ion batteries for industrial vehicles. Because these often last longer than the vehicles themselves, the company sought strategies for sustainable recycling of the energy storage units. With the help of AI experts from NOVUM, it has now succeeded. The company, which was named High Tech Startup Europe in 2017, is able to use patented hardware and artificial intelligence to make precise statements about the condition and lifespan of batteries. Together, the partners have been giving used batteries from forklifts a second or even third life in vehicles and large-scale storage systems for solar and wind power plants since 2021. Christoph Remmel, commercial director at JT Energy Systems, gives us an insight into this unique cooperation.

Mr. Remmel, could you first briefly explain for our readers why innovative strategies for recycling spent batteries are so important for your industry?

With pleasure! In Germany, vehicle manufacturers are obliged to take back and dispose of used batteries free of charge. Normally, the batteries are thermally recycled, i.e. incinerated. We felt that, with regard to the environment but also in view of the associated costs, we should no longer throw batteries away just because individual cells are defective. With the help of NOVUM, we can precisely determine the condition and service life of used batteries and even individual battery cells.

How does this work exactly?

The NOVUM team has set up test systems for used batteries at our remanufacturing center in Bobritzsch-Hilbersdorf. Within 90 seconds, we can use artificial intelligence to determine what condition a battery is in and how long it can potentially be used. Previously, this process would have taken hours. In a second step, it is possible to precisely analyze the individual cells, which, by the way, are the most expensive component of batteries.

What happens to the batteries or the cells afterwards?

Cells that still function perfectly are reassembled together with other intact cells to form batteries that are subsequently given a second life in vehicles. Batteries with medium power output are installed in large-scale storage systems for wind and solar power plants, thus contributing to the energy transition.

That sounds really great! How did you get to know the NOVUM team and what convinced you that NOVUM was the right cooperation partner for you?

We already knew each other before the cooperation through the industry network Energy Saxony. Through many conversations we knew that NOVUM’s product is already successfully used by other companies. In addition, the professional appearance of the team convinced us. From the beginning, we met at eye level and quickly understood each other’s problems. And we noticed that we were pursuing the same vision.

How do you shape the cooperation beyond the analysis of the batteries?

We have been involved in NOVUM since December 2021. The team’s unique expertise in battery monitoring convinced us. Our remanufacturing center is now being successively equipped with test rigs. In parallel, we are working with NOVUM on the development of new products and business models.

Are you also open to collaborating with other startups?

In principle, the area of development lies with our parent companies Jungheinrich and Triathlon. However, our experience with NOVUM has shown us that purchasing innovation makes sense for us. So startups that want to present us with exciting ideas are welcome to contact me.

What do you recommend to other companies that are toying with the idea of cooperating with startups?

I am a startup fan, but I also know the prejudices against startups, for example on the subject of reliability. There are companies that deliver what they promise – or not. That also applies to established companies. In the case of NOVUM, we were sure that the cooperation would work because the company already had references from our network.

Another important tip is not to roll over a startup as a large corporation. Innovation is the strength of startups. The requirements in the cooperation must be designed in such a way that this strength can continue to come to bear. This means that the founders should have the time, financial and human resources to drive the development area forward.

Finally, can you give us an outlook for your industry?

The topic of circular economy is definitely becoming more and more important. We are currently using our spent batteries to build a highly flexible battery storage system with a peak output of 25 MW in Freiberg, Saxony. The task of this mega-battery is to temporarily store renewable electricity, stabilize the power grid and provide urgently needed peak power energy. In addition, we are able to produce 100 % CO2-neutral batteries on site in this way! Together with the partners involved, we would like to demonstrate the great potential that already exists today in the intelligent networking of electromobility and the energy transition.

Contact

JT Energy Systems

Website: www.jt-energy.com

LinkedIn: Christoph Remmel

NOVUM

Website: www.novum-engineering.com

LinkedIn: Mandy Schipke