Do battery testers really work?

Battery combustion testers are indispensable equipment in battery safety performance evaluation. In modern society, with the widespread application of battery technology, from smartphones to electric vehicles, battery safety has become a major concern. Battery combustion testing machines provide reliable assurance for battery safety by testing the combustion performance of batteries under various extreme conditions.

Design Principles

As a key safety testing device, the importance of battery combustion testing machines is increasingly prominent in the battery industry. Based on rigorous testing principles and advanced functional design, this equipment provides strong support for battery safety evaluation. In principle, battery combustion testing machines primarily simulate the combustion phenomena that batteries may experience under abnormal conditions. By controlling test conditions, such as temperature and pressure, the combustion behavior of batteries in specific environments is observed. This simulation helps researchers gain a deeper understanding of the combustion characteristics of batteries, thereby developing more effective safety measures.

Battery combustion testing machines are based on a series of stringent safety standards and testing methods. By simulating extreme conditions that batteries may encounter during actual use, such as high temperatures, short circuits, and overcharging, the combustion behavior of batteries under these conditions is observed. The testing machine typically includes multiple parts, such as a combustion chamber, a temperature control system, and a data acquisition system, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test.

Role in Battery Safety Performance Evaluation

1. Fire Prevention: By testing the combustion performance of batteries under various extreme conditions, the battery combustion test chamber can promptly identify potential safety hazards and prevent fire accidents.

2. Improved Battery Quality: By evaluating battery safety performance, the test chamber can help manufacturers identify deficiencies in battery design, improving battery quality and performance.

3. Driving Battery Technology Development: The application of the battery combustion test chamber promotes continuous innovation and development in battery safety technology, providing strong support for the advancement of battery technology.

Testing Methods

The testing method typically includes the following steps:

Preparation: Ensure the test chamber is placed in a well-ventilated, dry, dust-free, odor-free, and light-free environment, away from flammable and explosive materials. Check that the test chamber is grounded and connected to the power supply.

Connecting the Gas Source and Placing the Sample: Connect the gas source and the control box, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection. Place the battery to be tested on the combustion screen in the center hole of the platform, ensuring accurate battery positioning, and cover it with a metal mesh cover.

Setting up the multi-layered gauze and starting the gas switch: Place the multi-layered gauze vertically in front of the control box, ensuring the horizontal distance between the gauze and the center of the screen is the specified value. Start the gas switch and wait a few minutes for gas to enter the Bunsen burner throat.

Ignition and Timing: Press the "Ignition" button to ignite the Bunsen burner. The "Combustion Timer" will automatically start timing. Observe the battery's combustion status, noting flame color, temperature changes, and any abnormal phenomena.

Observation and Recording: Continuously observe the battery's combustion status and record key information during the combustion process, such as combustion time and flame color changes.

Ending the Test and Subsequent Operations: When the battery explodes or lithium combustion occurs, press the "Stop Combustion" button to stop timing. Turn on the main air supply switch and wait for the smoke to dissipate before turning it off and removing the battery to observe its condition in the test cabinet. Simultaneously check the metal mesh cover and multi-layered gauze for damage or residue for cleaning and replacement.

Maintenance and Care

Daily Maintenance

Cleaning:

After each test, be sure to promptly clean any residue in the combustion chamber, such as combustion ash and molten material, to prevent corrosion of the equipment or affecting the results of subsequent tests.

Wipe the equipment surface with a clean, soft cloth to keep it clean and prevent dust accumulation.

Regularly clean the vents and filters to ensure good heat dissipation and prevent overheating.

Inspection:

Before each use, inspect key components such as the combustion chamber, ignition device, and sensors for damage or looseness, and address any problems promptly.

Regularly check that gas line connections are secure and that there are no leaks.

Check that the power cord and plug are intact to avoid the risk of electric shock.

Calibration:

Regularly calibrate measuring elements such as temperature and pressure sensors to ensure the accuracy of measurement data.

Establish a reasonable calibration cycle based on the equipment's usage frequency and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Regular Maintenance

Replace Wear Parts:

Replace wear parts such as the ignition device, seals, and filters regularly according to equipment usage to prevent equipment malfunction due to component aging.

It is recommended to establish a record of replacement of easily worn parts for easy tracking and management.

Lubrication:

Regularly lubricate moving parts, such as guide rails and lead screws, to reduce wear and ensure smooth operation.

Select a suitable lubricant and follow the manufacturer's instructions for lubrication.

System Inspection:

Perform a comprehensive inspection of the equipment regularly, including the electrical system, pneumatic system, and control system, to promptly identify and eliminate potential faults.

It is recommended that system inspections and maintenance be performed by professional technicians.

Safety Precautions:

Operators must be professionally trained and familiar with the equipment operating procedures and safety precautions.

During testing, appropriate protective equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves, must be worn.

Flammable and explosive materials must not be stored around the equipment, and fire extinguishers must be readily available.

In case of equipment malfunction or abnormal conditions, stop using the equipment immediately and contact professional personnel for repair.

Future Development Trends

With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields, battery safety performance is receiving increasing attention. As a key piece of equipment for evaluating battery safety performance, the future development of battery combustion testing machines will exhibit the following trends:

First, the level of intelligence will continue to improve. By introducing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, automated control and data analysis of the testing process will be achieved, improving testing efficiency and accuracy.

Second, a clear trend towards multi-functionality will emerge. Future battery combustion testing machines will not be limited to combustion testing but will also integrate other battery safety testing functions, such as thermal runaway propagation testing and electrolyte leakage testing, forming a complete battery safety testing system.

Third, standardization and normalization will deepen. With the continuous improvement of international and domestic battery safety standards, the design and manufacturing of battery combustion testing machines will place greater emphasis on standardization and normalization to ensure the comparability and mutual recognition of test results.Battery combustion testing machines play a crucial "guardian" role in battery safety, using rigorous and scientific testing methods to build a solid defense for battery safety performance. From current precision testing to future intelligent, multifunctional, and standardized development, it consistently keeps pace with the times and adapts to ever-changing industry needs. It is believed that with the continued support of battery combustion testing machines, battery technology will continue to break through, and the new energy industry will usher in a safer, more efficient, and prosperous new era of development, paving a solid road for a green future for human society.