Skeleton research & development journey
At Skeleton Technologies, we're creating exciting new ways to store energy. Our team is dedicated to making big ideas a reality, from the lab to the world, for a better future.
At Skeleton Technologies, innovation stands as our guiding principle. We go beyond relying on longstanding ideas, focusing instead on developing novel energy storage methods, refining our product offerings, uncovering new applications, and successfully scaling up technologies for mass production. Through our commitment to innovation, we tackle critical global issues such as climate change, energy security, and the scarcity of raw materials.
Skeleton Technologies is involved in multi-level R&D activities
In our early-stage research, we lay the foundation for developing new technologies and gaining a comprehensive understanding of our products' capabilities and limitations. Often, these projects are conducted within consortia, combining our expertise with that of research institutions and other industry leaders.
Our later-stage development shifts focus towards converting existing technologies into viable products, as well as exploring novel applications and strategies for implementation. This phase demands significant innovation, especially as we move from laboratory achievements to real-world applications, a transition often fraught with challenges, particularly in areas involving complex chemistry.
During the scale-up projects, our aim is to transform R&D breakthroughs into mass-producible products. Contrary to common perception, innovation doesn't reach its peak prior to scaling up. Rather, this stage is crucial for ongoing innovation, research, and development. In industries rooted in deep technology and knowledge, the research phase naturally evolves into industrial deployment, shifting from theoretical exploration in the lab to practical application on the shop floor.
Notable projects
Scale-up
EuBatIn: Backed by German state aid and funding from the Free State of Saxony, this project is focused on developing a unique energy storage technology combining supercapacitors with Lithium-ion batteries into a hybrid battery system. This project is set to lead to the first industrial deployment and the subsequent mass production of this novel energy storage concept, designed to cater to both the automotive and grid sector.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action &Free State of Saxony
Technology innovation
CloudCap: Supported by Estonian state aid, this project centers on developing and validating a supercapacitor management system capable of precisely determining the state of health (SOH). “CloudCap“ will enable us to develop, test and validate the technology within the relevant setting, encompassing both onboard and cloud-based solutions.
Funding: Enterprise Estonia
GreenCap: Backed with European funding, this project aims to engineer a technology that is not dependent on critical raw materials, while still delivering an energy density on par with that of batteries (>20 Wh/kg, >16 Wh/L). This technology will be characterized by distinctly high-power density and extended cycle life typical of traditional electrochemical double-layer capacitors, along with advanced energy management system.
Funding: Horizon Europe
Inn-Pressme: With European funding, the objective of the project is to scale up nano-enabled biobased materials from lab to pre-industrial scale by improving processes as well as material characteristics. As a result, the supply chain for active carbon materials can be diversified.
Funding: Horizon Europe
NETPVStore: Supported by German state funding, this project aims to create a photovoltaic storage system. It integrates commercially available photovoltaic (PV) modules with specially adapted ultra-fast short-term energy storage devices. The objective is to effectively smooth the inherent power fluctuations in photovoltaic systems over short periods, thereby delivering renewable energy of grid-compatible quality.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
UMZUG: Backed by German state aid, the project aims to create a Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) with supercapacitors. Essential for stabilizing grids powered by renewables, a VSM replicates the inertia naturally provided by conventional energy generation methods, ensuring grid balance and preventing blackouts. Supercapacitors provide a technological advantage for VSM due to their rapid charge and discharge capabilities.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
Ultracapacitor Opportunity Charging: With the support of Estonian state aid, this project is focused on developing a supercapacitor-to-supercapacitor fast-charging system for public transport vehicles. This innovative system will enable vehicles to be autonomously charged in just a few seconds, facilitating uninterrupted service along routes with charging at stops as required. The project’s results benefit a range of segments, including electric buses, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous shuttles, robotic taxis, and others.
Funding: Enterprise Estonia
SUPREME: Supported by German state aid, this project aims to develop advanced supercapacitors capable of operating at voltages up to 3.4V and temperatures above 60°C. A challenge arises when these supercapacitors are repeatedly cycled at voltages above 3V, leading to decomposition reactions that produce gases, consequently increasing the pressure within the cell. SUPREME partners will study gaseous by-products to understand decomposition and devise solutions for achieving voltages beyond 3V.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
New applications
HydroCap: Backed by Estonian state aid, this project aims to develop SuperBattery-based Hydrogen Booster technology, the first bespoke energy storage solution for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The project enables to develop, test, and validate the SuperBattery module in relevant environment and achieve higher technology readiness.
Funding: Enterprise Estonia
V-ACCESS: With European funding, this project synergizes expertise across supercapacitors, superconductive magnetic energy storage systems, and the design and management of shipboard power systems, including power electronics and ship classification. These systems will be incorporated into an innovative DC shipboard microgrid, enabling flexible management of power distribution among various energy storage technologies, thereby enhancing the deployment of supercapacitors in the marine sector.
Funding: Horizon Europe
New tools
UPEBA: This project, backed by German state aid, is dedicated to the development of a supercapacitor-based test facility to supplement existing high-power test systems, thereby expanding the range of testing capabilities. This advancement will allow for equipment testing in smaller institutions and laboratories, significantly improving both the accessibility and efficiency of testing procedures.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
SuKoBa: Supported by German state funding, the project aims to develop design methods and control algorithms for the cross-application of hybrid energy storage systems, which are based on lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The scenarios to be investigated will contribute to the advancement of energy storage solutions in the automotive industry and for grid stabilization.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
ESIP: Backed by German state aid, this project is dedicated to investigating the use of energy storage systems in industrial production to enhance efficiency and broaden their application. It focuses on developing a versatile tool for the design of these systems, integrating a wide array of technologies employed in industrial environments.
Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action