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Dr. Christian Plank (middle) explains the Fundamentals of Battery Technology. - © Jonas Glaser

At the end of September, the first round of the free WiNBat certificate programme began at the University of Bayreuth. Professionals from Bavarian companies acquired a solid grounding in battery technology through a course that emphasised active learning phases rather than traditional lecture-based teaching.

WiNBat stands for Knowledge Transfer and Training in Sustainable Battery Technology and brings the latest research findings into companies in a practical, application-oriented way. Besides BayBatt, project partners include the Chairs of Electrical Energy Systems and Electrochemistry , as well as the Center for University Teaching (ZHL). The project is coordinated by Dr. Tilo Held, Coordinator for Knowledge Transfer in Sustainable Battery Technology at BayBatt.

Over the three course days at the end of September, between 15 and 20 participants attended each session in Bayreuth. They work for companies across Bavaria along the battery value chain and hold degrees in science or engineering. The programme began with a networking event, where participants met one another and gained insights into battery research in Bayreuth through a guided tour of BayBatt.

Participants of the certificate programme. - © Jonas Glaser

In the module Chemical Fundamentals of Batteries, Dr. Bianca Helm and Sebastian Puls from the Physical Chemistry VI – Electrochemistry research group covered topics ranging from cell voltage and the structure of lithium-ion batteries to the most common cell chemistries. In the module Fundamentals of Battery Technology, Christian Plank from the Electrical Energy Systems research group introduced participants to cell formats, key performance indicators such as C-rate and energy density, as well as charging methods and safe operating windows. The aim of both modules was to enable participants to assess battery cells with confidence, interpret technical data sheets and engage with suppliers and customers as informed equals.

A particular strength of the programme is its teaching concept, developed jointly with Hanna Müller and Dr. Anja Hager from the ZHL. Short expert inputs alternate with practical exercises in which participants take an active role: in a component puzzle, they assembled a battery cell themselves; in decision-making scenarios, they selected suitable materials for different applications; and in cell simulations, they immediately observed how temperature or charging rate affect performance and risks. The face-to-face sessions are complemented by a digital self-study component.

This week, the advanced modules New Technologies, Battery Systems Engineering and Production and Value Creation will follow. Participants must complete at least two of these modules in order to receive the final certificate. A networking event in November will conclude the first programme cycle. Two further editions of the programme are planned for 2027 and 2028, with the continuing education offer being expanded through additional newly developed modules. Dates and further information are available on the WiNBat Website (in German).

WiNBat is funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the STEP 2 programme and by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts.

Text by Lionel Vincon