The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
New study with quantum algorithms will help design batteries Metal Tech News - October 19, 2022
Quantum computers, which share similar mechanical properties to a brain, are capable of performing calculations based on probabilities rather than 0s or 1s.
Touting 216 squeezed-state qubits, Xanadu's Borealis quantum computer can generate samples in a fraction of a second that would take more than 9,000 years to simulate using the most powerful supercomputer in the world.
Branching into the edge field of quantum computing, Volkswagen Group has partnered with Canadian quantum technology company Xanadu to answer a single question: can quantum computers help design batteries?
As the known world and its elemental makeup have been thoroughly dissected, humanity has reached the point where it is slightly cumbersome to discover new ways to utilize the elements on the periodic table.
Existing classical methods have been the cornerstone of computational chemistry for several decades, yet despite its many successes, experts feel it is reaching its limits on research areas critical for building better batteries.
A multi-year research program being carried out with the help of Xanadu's expertise aims to reduce current computational costs and to help Volkswagen's adoption of quantum computers to develop battery materials that are safer, lighter, and more cost-effective.
"With its NEW AUTO strategy, Volkswagen enters new territory, especially when it comes to exploring opportunities along with battery value chain," said Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation Nikolai Ardey. "Next-generation high-performance materials and electrochemical process are key ingredients of this expedition."
Over the past year, Volkswagen and Xanadu have engaged in multi-domain research across material science, computational chemistry, battery technologies, and quantum algorithms that have now bore fruit and set a foundation for the program's long-term research efforts.
Backed by the power of Xanadu's next-generation fault-tolerant quantum computers, this joint program is speeding toward solutions to industry challenges in battery materials.
"Working with Xanadu is like hopping on a speedboat heading for the horizon: Quantum Computing might trigger a revolution in material science and optimization, key competencies to grow our in-house battery expertise," added Ardey.
Essentially, the task is to build a framework to answer a single question: how can a quantum computer be used to simulate key properties of a lithium-ion battery?
Insights into this question were published in a coinciding paper in the journal "APS Physics."
In it, due to recent breakthroughs, the researchers at Xanadu and Volkswagen were able to lay out an end-to-end quantum algorithm for calculating equilibrium cell voltages, ionic mobility, and thermal stability.
Simply put, longer-lasting, faster-charging, cooler batteries.
While studies using this algorithm is assumed to be underway, the researchers have chosen to use a simulation of an existing cathode material, dilithium iron silicate (Li2FeSiO4).
"At Xanadu, we are pushing the frontiers of quantum computing hardware, software, and algorithms," said Juan Miguel Arrazola, head of algorithms at Xanadu. "Our goal in quantum algorithms research is to make quantum computers truly useful. Focusing on batteries is a strategic choice given the demand from industry and the prospects for quantum computing to aid in understanding the complex chemistry inside a battery cell."
In addition to the ongoing effort to teach quantum computers to be computers, the program will also investigate additional computational problems in materials discovery, where quantum computing has the strongest prospects for massive impact.
The partnership with Xanadu supports Volkswagen's larger objective of becoming a data and software-driven provider of more sustainable mobility and its ambition to be a leader in both battery development and quantum computer applications.
"Our partnership with Xanadu is a great example of Volkswagen's commitment to leveraging innovative technologies like quantum computing to accelerate towards 100% electric mobility solutions, optimizing our processes wherever possible," said Arne-Christian Voigt, Future Research, Volkswagen AG. "We are excited to push the boundaries of material simulation and build on top of the foundational research we have done so far with Xanadu's quantum algorithms team."
Seeing the potential for not only its robust and rich resources but a seat to become the next powerhouse in clean energy technologies, the Canadian government has been investing and continues to invest heavily in quantum technologies. That investment has brought world-class talent to the country, built up the quantum ecosystem and made Canada a leader in the quantum technology space.
"We are thrilled to be working alongside the fantastic team at Volkswagen to perform cutting-edge research focused on overcoming the technical obstacles in quantum algorithms that will be necessary to unlock the potential of quantum computing for battery development," finished Arrazola.
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