Battery and cell tests

Batteries have to withstand many charging/discharging cycles without premature degradation which can result from suboptimal operating conditions like temperature, power demand and mechanical integration. A series of tests are carried out to monitor the lifecycle as well as charging and aging behavior of batteries.

Testing capacities for lead-acid , lithium ion and next generation battery systems:

• Flexible and fast processing and testing of battery materials and components (screening)
• Interactions between material properties and electrical and mechanical impacts
• Aging investigations:
  - effect of single and coupled external factors such as pressure, temperature, current rates on cell aging
  - calendaric aging of cells e.g. for different SOC at specified temperatures
• Ultrasonic probing (transmission) for correlation of SOC and mechanic changes within pouch cells
• Analysing cell behavior under high electrical load conditions for identification of optimal balance between charging rate and durability
• Testing under defined constrained conditions such as flexible and rigid compression of cells (bracing)

• Galvanostatic cycling:
  - Cell testing: 296 channels @5V with up to 20 A
  - Cell testing: 4 channels @ 6V up to 600 A
  - Module testing: 2 channels @60V (CC: 40A; DC: 60A)
• Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS):
  - 24 channels up to 10 A (10µHz – 7 MHz)
• Climate chambers and temperature chambers (range: - 40 °C – + 80 °C)
• Controlled atmosphere and defined environmental conditions

We offer consulting services for battery producers and materials providers to get better and innovative materials:

• Multiple analyses for supporting product and research development
• Support for cell parameterization for battery modeling (BMS)
• Testing in prototype cells for identification of best suited materials
• Evaluation of parameters being critical for cell performance
• Accompanying pre-series electrical tests at cell level

The Center also offers trainings for customers and project partner in prototype cell manufacturing process.