Custom Climatic Test Chamber Programmable Meets UN 38.3 For Lithium Ion

1. Product Name and Purpose

2. Product Features

• Robust and Insulated Chamber Structure
  • The chamber is constructed with a heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant outer shell, typically made of stainless steel. The interior is lined with high-quality insulation materials that minimize heat transfer and maintain stable temperature and humidity gradients. The door is equipped with a reliable sealing mechanism and a viewing window, allowing operators to monitor the test process without disturbing the internal environment. The overall design is optimized to withstand the rigors of continuous battery testing and provide a consistent testing environment.
• Precision Temperature and Humidity Control System
  • At the heart of the chamber lies a sophisticated control system. It can achieve a wide temperature range, typically from -40°C to +80°C, with an accuracy of ±0.3°C. The humidity control range extends from 10% to 95% relative humidity, with an accuracy of ±2% RH. The system utilizes energy-efficient refrigeration units, electric heaters, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers, all coordinated by a precise PID controller. Multiple temperature and humidity sensors are strategically placed throughout the chamber to provide real-time feedback, enabling the control system to make instantaneous and accurate adjustments to maintain the desired environmental conditions.
• Programmable Testing Modes
  • The chamber is equipped with a highly programmable control panel. It allows operators to easily set up and execute a variety of test sequences as per UN 38.3 requirements. These include temperature cycling, where batteries are exposed to alternating high and low temperatures; humidity cycling, to assess the impact of moisture on battery performance; and vibration and shock tests, which can be precisely controlled in terms of frequency, amplitude, and duration. The programmable nature of the chamber ensures accurate and repeatable testing, enabling manufacturers to obtain reliable data for product improvement and compliance.
• Intuitive Control Panel and Data Acquisition Interface
  • The equipment is furnished with an intuitive control panel that simplifies the operation and parameter setting. Operators can effortlessly adjust temperature, humidity, test durations, and other parameters using a user-friendly interface. The control panel also provides real-time displays of the current environmental conditions, as well as any alarms or warnings. The chamber is integrated with a comprehensive data acquisition system. It records all relevant test data, including temperature and humidity histories, rate of change of environmental parameters, and any observable changes in the battery samples. The data can be stored in a built-in memory or exported to external storage devices for further analysis. The system can also generate detailed test reports in various formats, facilitating easy documentation and sharing of results.
• Safety Features and Alarms
  • To ensure the safety of operators and the integrity of the testing process, the chamber is equipped with a range of safety features. These include over-temperature and over-current protection, emergency stop buttons, and alarms for abnormal temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, or equipment malfunctions. The safety features are designed to prevent damage to the chamber, the battery samples, and the surrounding environment, providing peace of mind during the testing operation.

3. Specific Parameters

• Temperature Range and Accuracy
  • With a temperature range of -40°C to +80°C and an accuracy of ±0.3°C, the chamber can subject lithium-ion batteries to a wide spectrum of temperatures. This is essential for testing the battery's performance and safety in extreme cold and hot conditions, such as during winter or summer usage or in industrial applications. The accurate temperature control ensures that the test conditions are precisely maintained, providing reliable and repeatable results.
• Humidity Range and Accuracy
  • The humidity range of 10% to 95% RH, with an accuracy of ±2% RH, allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the effect of moisture on lithium-ion batteries. High humidity can cause corrosion and degradation of battery components, while low humidity may affect the electrolyte and electrode materials. The ability to precisely control the humidity level is crucial for understanding and mitigating these potential issues.
• Testing Volume and Payload Capacity
  • The chamber offers a customizable testing volume, typically ranging from 100L to 500L, depending on the specific model. The payload capacity can handle a significant amount of battery samples, with a maximum capacity of up to 200 kg, depending on the size and density of the batteries. This allows for efficient testing of multiple batteries or larger battery packs.
• Data Sampling Frequency and Resolution
  • The data acquisition system samples data at a frequency of up to 200 Hz, providing a highly detailed record of the temperature and humidity changes. The resolution of the temperature data is 0.1°C, and the humidity data is 0.1% RH. This high-resolution data is invaluable for identifying even the slightest trends and potential failure points, allowing for a more accurate assessment of battery performance.

4. Product Functions

• Accurate Simulation of Environmental Conditions
  • The primary function of the chamber is to provide a precise and reliable simulation of temperature and humidity conditions. By subjecting lithium-ion batteries to controlled environmental stresses, it allows manufacturers and researchers to evaluate their performance and durability. This is crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of batteries, as any degradation or failure during use could have serious consequences, such as fire or explosion.
• UN 38.3 Compliance Testing
  • The chamber is specifically designed to conduct all the tests required by UN 38.3. This includes the T1 - Altitude simulation test, T2 - Thermal stability test, T3 - Vibration test, T4 - Shock test, T5 - External short-circuit test, T6 - Impact test, T7 - Overcharge test, and T8 - Forced discharge test. By performing these tests in a controlled environment, manufacturers can ensure that their batteries meet the international safety standards and are suitable for transportation and various applications.
• Product Design Optimization and Quality Control
  • Through a series of tests on different lithium-ion battery prototypes, the data obtained from the chamber can be used to optimize product designs. Engineers can analyze the behavior of various materials and components under different temperature and humidity stresses and make modifications to enhance the overall performance and safety. The chamber also serves as a vital tool for quality control, ensuring that each batch of batteries meets the required environmental resistance standards. For example, if a battery shows signs of swelling or leakage during a particular test, the design can be adjusted to improve its integrity.
• Research and Development Support
  • In the field of lithium-ion battery research and development, the Custom Climate Chamber Programmable offers valuable insights. Researchers can use it to study the fundamental properties of battery materials and their interactions with different environmental factors. They can explore new formulations and designs that are more resistant to temperature and humidity extremes. For instance, materials scientists can test the performance of novel electrode coatings or electrolyte additives under various environmental conditions, using the chamber to evaluate their effectiveness and paving the way for advancements in battery technology.

5. Production and Quality Assurance

• Stringent Manufacturing Process
  • The Custom Climate Chamber Programmable for Lithium Ion Batteries is manufactured under strict quality control procedures. Each component, from the outer shell and insulation materials to the temperature and humidity control units, and safety features, is sourced from reliable suppliers and undergoes thorough inspection and testing. The assembly process is carried out by highly trained technicians in a clean and controlled environment. The chamber is calibrated and verified at multiple stages during production to ensure its accuracy and performance.
• Quality Certification and Validation
  Our chamber has obtained relevant quality certifications and has been validated by independent testing laboratories. It has been proven to provide accurate and reliable test results, conforming to UN 38.3 and other international and national standards for lithium-ion battery environmental testing. We also continuously update and improve our product based on the latest technological advancements and customer feedback from the battery industry to ensure its long-term performance and compliance.

6. Application Areas and Success Stories

• Battery Manufacturer Quality Control
  • A leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer used the chamber to test a new generation of high-capacity batteries. The batteries were subjected to a full suite of UN 38.3 tests, including temperature cycling and vibration tests. The testing revealed a weakness in the battery casing's seal, which could lead to moisture ingress and potential short-circuits. By redesigning the sealing mechanism and improving the casing material, the manufacturer was able to enhance the battery's safety and reliability, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Research Institution Material Evaluation
  • A research institution tested a new type of lithium-ion battery electrode material in the chamber. The material was exposed to different temperature and humidity conditions, along with vibration and shock, to assess its stability and performance. The results showed that the material had excellent thermal stability but was sensitive to high humidity. Based on these findings, the research team developed a coating to protect the material from moisture, potentially leading to a new generation of more durable electrodes.
• Regulatory Body Certification Testing
  • A regulatory body used the chamber to conduct independent testing of lithium-ion batteries submitted for certification. The chamber's ability to accurately perform UN 38.3 tests allowed the regulatory body to determine the safety and compliance of the batteries. In one instance, a battery failed the thermal stability test, and the manufacturer was required to make modifications and retest. This process ensured that only safe batteries entered the market, protecting consumers and the environment.

7. Service and Support

• Pre-Sales Technical Consultation
  Our team of lithium-ion battery testing experts provides in-depth technical consultations to help customers understand the capabilities and suitability of the chamber for their specific testing needs. We offer demonstrations and training, tailored to the battery industry, to familiarize customers with the operation and functionality of the chamber before purchase. We also assist in selecting the appropriate test parameters and accessories based on the lithium-ion batteries to be tested.
• After-Sales Service and Maintenance
  We offer comprehensive after-sales service, including on-site installation and commissioning. Our technicians are available for regular maintenance, calibration, and emergency repairs. We provide spare parts and upgrades to keep the chamber operating at peak performance. We also offer service contracts that include preventive maintenance and priority technical support, ensuring the long-term reliability and availability of the tester for lithium-ion battery temperature and humidity testing.
• Training and Technical Support
  We conduct training programs for new users to ensure they can effectively operate the Custom Climate Chamber Programmable and interpret the test results. Our technical support team is available 24/7 to answer questions, provide troubleshooting assistance, and offer guidance on test method optimization and compliance with UN 38.3 and other lithium-ion battery environmental testing standards. We also provide software updates and support for the data acquisition and analysis systems, enabling customers to take full advantage of the latest features and technologies in testing.