Battery Safety Testing

Batteries of various chemistries and types are being utilized in more and more applications; from consumer electronics to power tools, automobile, airplane and even human body implants. Failure of these batteries can result in performance and safety concerns, such as capacity fade, overheating, release of toxic gases and even fire. We can help. ioKinetic has many years of experience testing the variety of battery chemistries available and all popular battery types.

A Calorimeter can be used to measure the safety of batteries by simulating both normal and worst-case operating conditions safely under laboratory conditions. These techniques include differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, explosion severity, and accelerating rate calorimetry.

Services

We offer the following lab tests (but not limited to) to help you understand and manage your battery hazards:

• Adiabatic heat-wait-search
• Overheating
• External short circuit
• Nail penetration and crush
• Heat capacity measurements
• Overcharging
• Pressure measurement
• Gas collection and analysis

Please Note: Maximum capacity tested: 150 Ah. Pressure test limits are 4 bar and 25 Ah capacity. The chamber size is 25 cm in diameter and 60 cm in depth. Maximum testing limits may vary depending on battery chemistry and format; please contact ioKinetic for more information.

Instruments

A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) are excellent instruments to quantify impurities. They also measure the heat release and thermal degradation of battery raw and electrode materials.

In an Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC^®), the normal cycling of battery discharging and charging can be simulated and exothermic runaway reactions can be quantified. In an ARC^®, the temperature and pressure response to heat is recorded and the following properties can be measured:

• Onset temperature
• Heat of reaction
• Maximum temperature and pressure-rise rate
• Total pressure and volume of gases generated
• Adiabatic temperature rise
• Vent temperature and pressure for cells with vent device

The scanning mode of the ARC^® and DSC allow very small heat releases to be detected and measured in a short timeframe.

Samples

• Electrode materials
• Separator materials
• Electrolytes
• Whole cell

We Can Help

The professionals at ioKinetic will work with you to determine what is required for your particular needs. Request your free quote today or call us at 1-844-ioKinetic.