Battery Systems

This programme is tailored for graduates and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge in various aspects of the battery value chain.
The ideal candidates are those who already possess a foundational understanding of technology, preferably at the (minimum) level of a technical bachelor's degree, such as engineering.

SCOPE AND OVERVIEW

This programme focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of battery systems, with a special emphasis on two key application domains: mobile applications, such as electric vehicles, and stationary applications, including grid-connected electrical energy storage systems.

The programme’s primary focus thus lies in the later stages of the battery value chain, specifically on battery packs, applications, and reuse, including battery management systems. While we do incorporate fundamental knowledge about materials and electrochemical properties, it is presented in the context of practical and industrial applications and reuse.

This overview course is structured into six modules. We begin with a holistic view of battery technology in the context of the energy transition (module 1) and then delve into the fundamental knowledge of batteries and battery systems (module 2). An overview of the current practical and industrial applications is given (module 3). The course then progresses to explore the challenges and possibilities concerning re-use (module 4). We also discuss safety issues (module 5). We finish by looking ahead to what the future holds in terms of the innovative ecosystem, and standardisation and legislation (module 6).

The programme’s format provides a blend of lectures by experts and use cases from industry, combined with visits to various companies across Flanders.

MODULE 1: Setting the scenes

• 1.1: The bigger picture (16 January 2025 - KU Leuven Gent)
  • Role of batteries in energy transition
  • Industrial-technological overview
• 1.2: Visit EnergyVille (23 January 2025 - Genk)

MODULE 2: Basics & BMS

• 2.1: Basic principles batteries, battery packs & Battery Management Systems
  • Terminology and typology (30 January 2025 - KU Leuven Gent)
  • Battery Management Systems (6 February 2025 - KU Leuven Gent)
• 2.2: Visit ABEE (13 February 2025 - Ninove)

MODULE 3: Applications

• 3.1: From stationary to mobile applications (20 February 2025 - KU Leuven Gent)
  • From e-vehicle to smart grid - overview
  • Stationary application: use case Yuso
• 3.2: Visit Volvo Trucks (27 February 2025 - Volvo Trucks Gent)

MODULE 4: Second life

• 4.1: (Re)use cases: a nuanced narrative (13 March 2025 - KU Leuven Gent)
  • State of health estimation techniques
  • Business models for second life
  • (Re)use research projects
• 4.2: Visit Watt4Ever (20 March 2025 - Beringen)

MODULE 5: Safety

• 5.1: Safety (of use) and fire safety  (27 March 2025 - KU Leuven Gent) 
• 5.2: Visit C-Fire (3 April 2025 - Temse)

MODULE 6: Power the future (24 April 2025 - Olen)

• 6.1: What will the future bring?  
  • Challenges and progress in implementing the new European legislation
  • International Battery Standardisation for a safer and innovative future 
  • The innovative ecosystem
• 6.2: Visit an operational second life battery system (Engie) and battery labs (Umicore)

For a more detailed description of each module: see folder.

When? 

• The programme runs over twelve days, with a mix of evening and afternoon sessions (3 contact hours in total) 
• 12 consecutive Thursdays from 16 January - 24 April 2025 (no class on 6 March, i.e. spring break, and in the Easter holidays)
  • Classes on campus Rabot: 18:00 - 21:30 (incl. a sandwich break)
  • Company visits: 14:00 - 17:00 (excl. final session until 18:30)

Where?

• Sessions will be hosted primarily at KU Leuven, Ghent Campus: Gebroeders de Smetstraat 1, 9000 Gent
• Industry visits to various locations across Flanders (transportation is to be provided by yourself)

Registration and payment

• The deadline to register online is 8 January 2025.

• The fee is € 2150 and includes course material and catering
• Members of Agoria receive a 10% reduction and pay € 1935
• Second participants and additional participants from the same organization receive a 10% reduction
• Alumni of the 2024 Battery Systems edition can attend the new safety module (27 March & 3 April) for a reduced fee of €250.

• Save on your participation costs via the kmo-portfolio. Our approval number is DV.O102270 - choose theme 'Duurzaamheid'.
• Flemish educational leave (‘VOV’) has been approved
• Payment can either happen without invoice by transferring the amount to the account number IBAN BE31 2850 2133 2955 (PUC - KU Leuven Continue), with reference ‘400/0025/96509  + name participant(s)', or pay after receiving the invoice. 

All sessions will be conducted in English, including lecture materials. 

"The course is of the right length, offers real industry exposure, and features high-quality guest lecturers."
"It provides a global view of battery systems from multiple perspectives."
"I can now explain questions about batteries much more clearly."