When it comes to portable electronic devices, rechargeable lithium batteries have been the choice. Because they have now become an important part of electric vehicles, safety and reliability is now very key. The batteries have to perform optimally in both in hot and cold temperatures. At the same time, they should not pose any hazard due to explosion or leaking.
With the deviation toward electric hybrid vehicles and aim of lowering automobile emissions, the need for EV battery test is now more critical.
Each environmental chamber is built in accordance with specific test requirements and battery cyclers could be used to interface with monitoring and control of data acquisitions systems and other test equipment for a total integrated test solution.
The kind of environmental chambers available range from small bench top chambers used in the testing of small batteries to huge walk-in chambers used for the testing of large battery packs. The temperatures range from -94°F to + 375°F (-70°C to +190°C) with humidity range from 10% to 95%. The sizes range from small bench top units to huge walk-in rooms.
Through environmental chamber for EV battery testing, the ability of the batteries to withstand stress and extreme environments can be safely identified.
Required Safety features:
Due to the risk of battery failure, environmental chambers require safety systems that will ensure operator safety and protect them from harmful explosions.
The release of gases from a battery is the greatest risk, which may ignite by the heaters of the test chambers or on their own. It is recommended to have special low-temperature heaters; however, extra precautions might be required. Through the monitoring of the battery for thermal runaway, an alarm may be triggered and the chamber shut off prior to an explosion.
Based on your safety requirements and testing needs, the following options can help to create a holistic testing system:
Spark resistant construction— Motor ports and fan blades made of Aluminium with spark resistance
Vent port on a chamber ventilation blower— The ventilation enabled by gas monitoring system allows ambient air to purge the chamber.
Gas monitor systems (CO and/or H2) — includes an alarm and light and monitors the workspace or the chamber for dangerous gas.
Electromagnetic door lock— It helps to prevent the operator from having access during operation (holding force of 500 lbs.)
Vent port on nitrogen purge — Purges nitrogen into chamber to lower the amount of oxygen in the workspace air.
Product sensor for product overheat — It protects test load from temperatures higher than desired
Vent port on a fire detection system— helps shuts down the chamber and detect fire, includes a light and an alarm
Product drip tray— Replaceable/removable tray that will contain any corrosive leaks
Switch for chamber door— prevents chamber operation if chamber door is not closed
Pressure relief port— helps to swiftly remove pressure from chamber
Reinforced door latch— Designed to resist increase in pressure as a result of explosion.
