iso-BTC: A Bench-Top, Battery Performance Testing, Isothermal Calorimeter

The iso-BTC (Battery Testing Calorimeter) is an isothermal calorimeterdesigned for the characterization of thermal behavior and electrical performance of battery cells under normal and extended use conditions.It supports a range of adaptors which allows a wide range of cell formatsto be analyzed.

The iso-BTC supports the full integration of a charge-discharge unit, allowing for therepeated, automatedcycling of battery cells under a range of operating conditions, while concurrently recording both the battery’s electrical performance and the heat evolved. It can also conductaccelerated aging tests, allowing the effect of battery aging on cell performance to be investigated. Battery chemistry, electrode composition, and battery cell type can also be investigated within cell development using the iso-BTC.

Thermal mapping (multipoint temperature measurement) allows the user to identify regions of a batterythat generate greater thermal energy to be highlighted. Along with the thermal behavior characterization of the battery cell over a range of temperatures and (dis)charge rates, this information can be used to inform effective and targeted thermal management strategies within the battery module and pack.

Features and Options

Type of Test

Performance testing

Characterizing performance under normal and abnormal use.

Aging and lifetime performancetesting.

Battery behavior as a function of charge/discharging rate and temperature

Heat release profiles.

Battery efficiency profiles.

Battery charging/discharging capacity profiles.

Battery/Sample Size

Coin cells, small pouch cells, and cylindrical cells. Battery adaptor selection for testing on cylindrical cells available.

Maximum chamber volume 250 mm wide, 250 mm deep, 80 mm high

Test sample volume will include any necessary adaptor volume.

Temperature Control

-20 °C to 90 °C as standard

Optional: Temperatures starting from -40 °C

Intelligent Software Control and Analysis

labCONSOL software control enables regular data logging, multi-step recipes, parameter control, and feedback loops. The software adds a responsive intelligence to the iso-BTC system and still delivers an intuitive interface that needs only minimal training to run quickly.

Safety Features

Automated shutdown procedures if a safety condition is exceeded to ensure user safety

N₂ purge for when operating under sub-ambient conditions

Multipoint sample temperature measurement

Automatic hardware and software fail-safes are installed on every system