Lithium-ion batteries are an increasingly popular choice of power supply, serving a wide range of uses from consumer electronics and electric vehicles to energy storage systems.
No maintenance and an extended life span make lithium-ion batteries a worthwhile investment.
They are a safe, lightweight, temperature tolerant power supply, which can be quickly and safely charged.
In order to ensure maximum operating efficiency, testing includes a series of procedures which evaluate the performance, safety and life of lithium-ion batteries.
Safety has become a specific area of concern, as these batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, or even explode under certain conditions. There are key standards and certifications applicable to the design, testing, and use of lithium-ion batteries.
An important element of safety testing relates to the transportation and disposal of batteries. Standard testing ensures that test subject batteries experience extreme temperature conditions, shock, impact and short circuit testing that might be experienced during shipping or transportation.
Testing has identified that battery disposal should be supported by a qualified professional individual. Some lithium-iron batteries can be recycled, others require specialist disposal and testing identifies the correct procedures to be followed.
Battery charging is a continual, repetitive requirement for Lithium-ion batteries and this important issue requires an assessment of the safety hazards associated with AC powered devices which contain lithium-ion batteries.
This includes testing the potential for overheating and electric shock from the device.
Electromagnetic Compatibility testing is undertaken to ensure that any devices which contain lithium-ion batteries will not malfunction due to a high level of electromagnetic interference. Similarly, that the devices themselves will not create electromagnetic interference, causing nearby devices to malfunction.
The range of testing will identify potential safety hazards and reduce the risk of accidents.
The additional tests undertaken will also enable users to determine where the battery is on its expected life-cycle. Tests will identify weak cells and faulty intercell connectors, and potential improvements that can be made to the technical specifications of lithium-ion batteries.
Beyond the essential safety testing that is required, additional performance tests of lithium-ion batteries will identify performance constraints include a range of issues.
Voltage, internal resistance, capacity, self-discharge rate, cycle life and storage performance are amongst the many items that can be assessed. These types of tests contribute to the performance of lithium-ion batteries, ensuring optimum operating potential is achieved.
International testing provides a recognized overview of lithium-ion batteries, especially the safety and performance levels that can be achieved and expected