As a core component of new energy vehicles, the reliability and range of power lithium-ion batteries directly impact the development of these vehicles. Therefore, testing power lithium-ion batteries is of paramount importance. In the power lithium-ion battery testing industry, methods such as "high-power resistor discharge" or "DC power supply + DC electronic load" exist. But can these methods truly meet today's testing needs for power lithium-ion batteries? The answer is definitely no.
As a professional instrument manufacturer, ITECH has launched the latest charging and discharging test method for power lithium-ion batteries. It not only breaks through traditional thinking in terms of hardware architecture to help users save on high-power consumption costs, but also adds bMS communication interaction in terms of software functions to address the unique working mode of power lithium-ion batteries.
Breakthrough 1: IT6000C Bidirectional Programmable DC Power Supply—Energy Feedback, Green Energy Saving
With the development of batteries, from the original 1.5V dry cell batteries to high-power lithium-ion batteries of up to 800V/50KW, there are roughly three types of method models: DC power supply + high-power resistor box, DC power supply + energy-consuming electronic load, and DC power supply + regenerative load. However, the one launched by ITECH is not any of the above methods. Instead, it is a brand-new bidirectional programmable DC power supply that integrates the functions of bipolar power supply and regenerative load in a single IT6000C.
1) What are the advantages of bidirectional feedback power supply for testing power lithium-ion batteries compared to the source-load separation method?
Lithium-ion batteries are the power source for a car. Naturally, cars have a sophisticated regenerative braking system. During driving, the battery discharges; during braking, the recovered energy recharges the battery. Imagine everyday driving, with frequent starting and braking. The actual current curve of a lithium-ion battery would look like the graph below, with current flowing from both the source and sink. In battery testing, simulating urban driving conditions, the test involves rapid switching between charging and discharging.
At this point, the IT6000C method demonstrates its significant advantage, enabling rapid current switching. However, if implemented using a source and electronic load, controlling both devices requires time for switching, which affects the current switching speed. Therefore, it cannot be considered the optimal testing method for power lithium-ion batteries.
Similarly, such a set of equipment can not only be used as a testing device for power lithium-ion batteries, but also as a device to simulate power lithium-ion batteries to test other vehicle energy management systems.
Figure 4. Working condition simulation
(2) Energy feedback efficiency is up to 95%, saving electricity costs.
In standard battery discharge tests, energy is dissipated as heat by electronic loads or resistance boxes, resulting in resource waste. However, if this energy were converted into electrical energy for use by other devices, users could save a considerable amount on electricity bills. The IT6000C series power supplies boast an energy feedback efficiency of up to 95%, saving energy while avoiding the fan noise associated with traditional heat dissipation methods.
Breakthrough 2: High power in a small size, saving laboratory space
Power lithium-ion batteries typically have a power output of 40KW~50KW. If a complete set of charging and discharging equipment is installed using traditional methods, it would occupy about three 37U racks. However, by using the IT6000 series equipment, taking 15KW as an example, the volume can be reduced to 3U, which greatly saves laboratory space.
Figure 5. Size comparison of IT6000C and conventional power supplies at the same power output
The ITECH IT6000C series bidirectional programmable DC power supply, with its comprehensive functions, superior performance, and rich supporting software capabilities, successfully breaks through the traditional testing mindset for power lithium-ion batteries. It significantly reduces testing space, saves electricity costs, simplifies the operation of the testing platform, and greatly improves the overall system reliability and safety. Easily providing you with an environmentally friendly, cool, and green testing environment!
