Stackable LiFePO4 lithium battery 48V 100Ah

▶ Certification of IEC62619, UN38.3, CEC approved etc

How to Test Lithium Ion Battery?

Testing lithium-ion batteries is crucial to ensure their safety, performance, and reliability. Different tests are conducted throughout the lifecycle of the battery, from development and production to end-use. Here are key aspects and methods of lithium-ion battery testing:

1. Performance Testing
A. Capacity Test
● Purpose: Measure the actual capacity of the battery in ampere-hours (Ah) or watt-hours (Wh).
● Method: Charge the battery fully and then discharge it at a constant current until a specified cutoff voltage is reached. The discharged capacity is recorded.
B. Cycle Life Test
● Purpose: Determine the number of charge-discharge cycles the battery can undergo before its capacity falls below a specified percentage of the original capacity.
● Method: Repeatedly charge and discharge the battery under controlled conditions, recording the capacity after each cycle.
C. Efficiency Test
● Purpose: Evaluate the battery’s round-trip efficiency, which is the ratio of energy output to energy input.
● Method: Measure the energy required to charge the battery and the energy it delivers during discharge.

2. Safety Testing
A. Overcharge Test
● Purpose: Assess the battery’s behavior and safety when charged beyond its maximum voltage limit.
● Method: Charge the battery to a voltage higher than the specified maximum and observe for any adverse reactions like overheating, leakage, or explosion.
B. Short Circuit Test
● Purpose: Evaluate the battery’s response to a direct short circuit.
● Method: Short circuit the battery terminals with a low resistance connection and monitor for temperature rise, voltage drop, and potential hazards.
C. Thermal Runaway Test
● Purpose: Determine the battery's response to high temperatures and its susceptibility to thermal runaway.
● Method: Expose the battery to high temperatures and monitor its behavior, looking for signs of venting, fire, or explosion.
D. Crush Test
● Purpose: Assess the battery’s safety under mechanical deformation or impact.
● Method: Apply a specified crushing force to the battery and observe for leakage, rupture, or fire.

3. Environmental Testing
A. Temperature Cycling Test
● Purpose: Assess the battery’s performance and durability under varying temperature conditions.
● Method: Cycle the battery between high and low temperatures and measure its capacity and voltage stability.
B. Humidity Test
● Purpose: Evaluate the battery’s resistance to high humidity environments.
● Method: Expose the battery to high humidity conditions and monitor for corrosion, leakage, or performance degradation.
C. Altitude Simulation Test
● Purpose: Test the battery’s performance at high altitudes where air pressure is lower.
● Method: Place the battery in a low-pressure chamber to simulate high altitude conditions and observe for changes in performance or safety.

4. Electrical Testing
A. Internal Resistance Test
● Purpose: Measure the internal resistance of the battery, which affects its efficiency and heat generation.
● Method: Apply a small AC current and measure the resulting voltage drop, or use a DC method by applying a pulse current and measuring the voltage drop.
B. Charge/Discharge Rate Test
● Purpose: Evaluate the battery’s ability to charge and discharge at different rates.
● Method: Charge and discharge the battery at various current rates (C-rates) and measure capacity, voltage, and temperature.

5. Aging and Degradation Testing
A. Calendar Life Test
● Purpose: Assess the battery’s performance over time under controlled conditions, even if not cycled frequently.
● Method: Store the battery at specific temperatures and states of charge, periodically measuring capacity and internal resistance.
B. Accelerated Aging Test
● Purpose: Speed up the aging process to quickly assess the long-term performance and degradation.
● Method: Subject the battery to high temperatures and elevated charge/discharge rates.

6. Standard Compliance Testing
A. Regulatory Standards
● Purpose: Ensure compliance with international and national safety and performance standards.
● Standards: Common standards include UL 1642, IEC 62133, UN 38.3, and others specific to transportation, consumer electronics, and industrial applications.
● Method: Conduct tests as specified by these standards, which cover a wide range of safety and performance criteria.

Comprehensive testing of lithium-ion batteries is essential to verify their safety, performance, and reliability. Different types of tests, including performance, safety, environmental, electrical, aging, and standard compliance tests, provide a holistic assessment of battery quality. Following established testing protocols and standards ensures that lithium-ion batteries meet the necessary requirements for their intended applications, thereby enhancing their reliability and user safety.