Batteries and Fuel Cells Testing and Inspection

Demand for lithium ion batteries is expected to expand further in the future, driven by demand for electric vehicles, which are supported by policies in various countries around the world, and demand for PC, smartphone, and tablet devices, which are driven by digital transformation (DX). In addition, companies and research institutes around the world are actively engaged in research and development to commercialize all solid state batteries as next generation batteries. Shimadzu provides total solutions to various market issues by utilizing evaluation equipment and technology cultivated over a long history.

The lithium-ion rechargeable battery is a relatively new type of battery that was first used in the early 1990s. With their high voltage and high energy density, these batteries are widely used for consumer electronics applications, such as mobile phones and laptop computers. Due to enhanced consumer concerns for the environment and fuel savings, the automobile industry has also been developing these batteries for hybrid vehicle (HV) and electric vehicle (EV) applications, which should lead to enhanced output, efficiency, and performance. As a leading manufacturer of a broad range of analytical and testing instruments, Shimadzu provides a variety of solutions that contribute to research, development, and quality control of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries as they become more widely used in consumer electronics and eco-cars.

Lithium-ion batteries are used widely in household electrical appliances such as cell phones and laptop computers. A considerable increase in demand for lithium-ion batteries is predicted in the transportation sector, where they will be used in aeroplanes, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. These applications will require an increase in the power density, efficiency, lifespan, and stability of these batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are composed of a number of parts, including a cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. Increasing the performance of lithium-ion batteries will require detailed investigation and analysis of the properties of each of these components, and of the battery as a whole, by instrument analysis.

The separators keep the positive and negative electrodes separated. They consist of a porous material that provides a path (pores) for ions and the electrolyte. Images of three kinds of separators taken by a scanning probe microscope (SPM) permit visual evaluation of the sample surface irregularities.

Cars equipped with these electronic devices vibrate constantly while in operation, and are also affected by temperature changes due to the atmospheric temperature and heat from the engine and road. Normal operation is necessary even in this severe environment. Since reliability requirements are high, ECUs and other electronic devices are almost always enclosed in cases, but this means it is not possible to inspect the devices themselves from their external appearance. Thus, nondestructive inspection by Xray techniques is required. This article introduces an example of observation of an ECU by using an X-ray CT system.

X-ray fluoroscopy systems offer non-destructive observations of the internal structures of objects. They are effective instruments for identifying the cause of failure of industrial products. By simplifying the non-destructive tomographic imaging and 3D imaging of the interior of objects, observations of internal shapes, dimensional measurements, and density observations, these systems are powerful tools for defect analysis and quality control.

In evaluating the degradation of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, it is necessary to analyze the gases produced inside the battery. The composition of the sampled internal gases can be investigated by conveying them to a gas chromatograph. The Shimadzu Tracera High-Sensitivity Gas Chromatograph uses a revolutionary plasma technology to detect all compounds except He and Ne. The system is capable of the simultaneous analysis of C1 to C3 hydrocarbons and inorganic gases including hydrogen, so it eliminates the conventional need for carrier gas switching or combined use of multiple systems. In addition, the Tracera's high sensitivity makes it possible to analyze small quantity gas samples.

Lithium-ion batteries may overheat due to overcharging and, in the worst case, catch fire. To investigate their safety, the battery materials must be evaluated for thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is effective for these measurements. As battery materials readily react with moisture and oxygen, DSC measurements are performed on materials after they have been sealed in a stainless-steel pressure-resistant cell inside the glove box. This page introduces a system that uses accessories such as an extremely compact hydraulic press that can be easily operated in the glove box and presents some measurements made using the system.

Lithium ion battery separators are interposed between the positive and negative electrode sheets to prevent shorting due to contact between the positive and negative active materials, and to ensure electrical conductivity by retaining the electrolyte and allowing ions to pass through. The DSC-60 Differential Scanning Calorimeter is effective for the evaluation of separator melting, electrolyte deterioration or decomposition, and other thermal properties under heating.

The TMA-60 Thermomechanical Analyzer is an effective tool for evaluation of the expansion and contraction behaviors of separators and other battery materials under heating. The contraction behavior was measured for two types of separators (1 and 2) extracted from lithium ion batteries.

The separators keep the positive and negative electrodes separated. They consist of a porous material that provides a path (pores) for ions and the electrolyte. Images of three kinds of separators taken by a scanning probe microscope (SPM) permit visual evaluation of the sample surface irregularities.

The separators keep the positive and negative electrodes separated. They consist of a porous material that provides a path (pores) for ions and the electrolyte. Images of three kinds of separators taken by a scanning probe microscope (SPM) permit visual evaluation of the sample surface irregularities.