New Test Chambers for Lithium Battery Testing

Recent years have seen many developments in the lithium-based battery sector. Lithium batteries have already made their debut in the telecommunications, video technology and IT sectors.

Further major steps are expected in the optimisation of lithium batteries. In the automotive industry, the trend is shifting from the single combustion engine to the use of new technologies, e.g. hybrid or electric vehicles. In the future, electricity will play a far more prominent role in individual mobility than it does today. Developers in the automotive industry are turning their attention to electric drives as advancements in battery technology are coming into their own in marketable electric vehicles.

The development departments at practically all automotive firms are convinced that vehicles will in future be driven by electric motors.

Since 2003, lithium batteries have had to be tested to special safety standards specified as binding. Without this qualified test verification, these batteries cannot be brought onto the market.

The safety concepts required for this purpose can be combined with most Vötsch standard test systems. There is every sign of a boom in this area.

The long-term goal is purely electrical driving, since this will eliminate vehicle emissions. In all other applications too, the extremely good charging and discharging ability is gentle on resources and on the environment. Yet - as “chic” as they may be, they also pose a certain risk.

Energy density, lifespan, reliability and safety are just some of requirements that have to be fulfilled. Certain environmental conditions such as heat or heavy vibrations can cause uncontrolled discharges (short circuit).

In addition to our comprehensive range of standard safety equipment, we also offer safety concepts designed specifically for testing lithium batteries. Only an all-encompassing safety concept guarantees safe plant operation.

Potential safety concepts utilised by Vötsch Environmental Test Chambers include:

  • Additional safety temperature limiter
  • Forced cooling of the chamber to +20 °C
  • Compressed air purging at 10 x the ventilation rate
  • Monitoring of the test chamber for rising concentration of CO2
  • Monitoring of the test chamber for rising concentration of H2
  • CO2 inert gas purging with CO detection
  • N2 inerting without O2 measurement
  • N2 inerting with O2 measurement
  • Pressure relieving of the test chamber via tested rupture membrane, reinforced test chamber, additional door interlocks
  • Electro-mechanical door lock

For further information please download our brochure below.

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