Production processes are increasingly affected by fluctuations in grid quality, which can lead to unplanned downtime and quality issues. The first presentation in this session uses a real-world example to illustrate how such problems arise in manufacturing, what costs they entail, and what preventative measures can be taken. One focus is on PQ Maintenance (Power Quality Maintenance), i.e. preventative maintenance in the field of power quality.
Efficient and process-reliable drying is becoming increasingly important in electroplating – particularly in view of high quality requirements, rising energy costs and strict environmental regulations. The presentation will cover exhaust-free heat pump drying, a process that operates independently of the ambient air and ensures controlled, reproducible conditions – ideal for complex component geometries and sensitive surfaces in electroplating.Drying is carried out evenly, gently and safely, whilst enabling energy savings of up to 75 per cent. Furthermore, the use of energy-efficient heat pump drying is eligible for funding throughout the D-A-CH region.
Zinc-based battery systems are regarded as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, particularly for stationary energy storage. ZnBr₂ redox flow batteries (RFBs) combine cost-effective materials with long potential service lives. A major challenge, however, is the formation of zinc dendrites during the charging process, which leads to efficiency losses, increased maintenance requirements and potential operational disruptions. A presentation will outline an effective approach using additives that can suppress dendritic growth and significantly improve performance.
The final presentation describes a process for manufacturing 3D current collectors for battery electrodes based on additively manufactured polymer templates, and demonstrates how the combination of 3D design, electrochemical metallisation and targeted post-treatment, current collectors that can be tailored to specific applications can be realised as building blocks for higher-performance battery cathodes.