The Ametek SI-9300R battery cycler is designed for testing high power batteries, fuel cells and electrolyzers at up to 10V/200A. Each channel of the battery analyzer performs the same basic function of a battery cycler for testing cylindrical, pouch and prismatic cells but includes additional features that target developers in HEV, PHEV and eV Second Life applications. Up to five channels can be connected in parallel to enable tests up to 1000A.
SI-9300R battery analyzers are much more than standard battery cyclers offering a wide range of analytical capabilities including EIS per channel. Features include:
- Scalable system with multiple cabinet options ( 42U & 24U ) which can be controlled and monitored via multiple PCs.
- Regenerative power management with 5x space saving and 90% annual running cost saving over conventional systems.
- Fast data acquisition speed of 1000s/s across all channels using patented Direct To Disk technology.
- High resolution 24-bit converters detect small differences in cell behaviour at an earlier stage - saving test time – High Precision Coulometry (HPC).
- EIS on all channels built-in (not multiplexed).
Download brochure here.
See also the Ametek SI-6200 Battery Cycler.
Software:
The Aspire Energy software is a powerful multi-user, multi-PC, multi-channel platform. This software allows multiple users and PCs to get connected simultaneously for test control, monitoring and data analysis.
Aspire Energy software offers:
- Standard cycler tests CC-CV, CC-CP, CC-CR, constant voltage, constant current, open circuit.
- Advanced capabilities – Auto-sequencing of tests including EIS, Cyclic Voltammetry, Urban Profile (FUDS).
- Fast pulse – current or voltage controlled.
- Cyclic voltammetry for detailed cell analysis.
- Differential voltage and capacity measurements.
- Seamless integration of 3rd party equipment – Climate Chambers, Data Loggers.
Shareable centralized libraries for:
- Use of consistent test procedures, graph displays, cell configurations, data analysis.
- Time domain and EIS data collection.
What is a battery cycler?
Rechargeable (secondary) batteries in real-world applications are charged and discharged many times until they reach end of life. Examples of this are batteries used in cell phones, PCs, power tools and automotive applications. After multiple charge/discharge cycles, cell performance starts to degrade. The batteries typically require charging more frequently until eventually they reach end of life and need to be replaced, with the original cells either being scrapped or repurposed.
High performance battery cyclers enable tests to be reliably and accurately run using highly repeatable test sequences, enabling comparison between different battery chemistries and materials. Cycling tests may be performed over long time periods to validate battery lifetime performance or may even be accelerated using higher test levels than experienced in the real-world applications.
High performance battery cyclers typically provide multiple different test capabilities including CC-CV (constant current, constant voltage), CP constant power, CR constant resistance, CV cyclic voltammetry plus a range of fast pulse and voltage/current ramp tests. High level systems also include advanced diagnostic techniques including EIS (impedance spectroscopy), differential capacity and arbitrary waveform (Urban Profile).
Recent advances in battery cycler systems enable fast data rates to be enabled on all channels enabling detailed diagnosis of pulse or arbitrary waveform data. The most advanced systems allow unlimited Urban Profiles with very fast millisecond sequencing of applied levels.
System reliability is a major concern for users of battery cycler equipment and innovation in this area includes use of direct data storage from cycler to disk without need for PC intervention. This technology enables truly autonomous cycling and dramatically increases reliability of test systems by ensuring that even if a PC crashes, it has no effect on the cyclers that are running test sequences – tests continue without data loss.