The brand-new Hercules TR Chamber represents the next level in battery abuse testing technology. Designed to provide precise, reliable, and safe evaluation of battery performance under extreme conditions, it enables comprehensive testing of lithium-ion cells, stacks, and modules, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards. This cutting-edge chamber is essential for analyzing critical scenarios like thermal runaway, helping manufacturers optimize battery safety and performance. The chamber offers a variety of operating modes, allowing you to simulate real-world conditions with unparalleled precision. From continuous fresh air supply to inert environments with controlled oxygen levels, this chamber can replicate the exact conditions under which batteries might fail, providing invaluable insights into potential risks.
Designed for both simplicity and efficiency, the Hercules TR Chamber offers easy operation with its intuitive controls. Key features include adjustable overpressure valves, flexible sensor ports, and compatibility with a wide range of measurement devices, making it the perfect tool for complex testing setups. With its robust construction, the chamber is built to endure high pressure (up to 10 bar) and extreme temperatures, providing consistent and reliable results every time. With its ability to replicate real-life failure modes, the chamber plays a pivotal role in advancing battery technology, giving your team the confidence to innovate and lead in the energy storage industry.
key specifications
- max. energy10 kWh
- max. cell capacity500 Ah
- high current feedthroughs250 A
- max. temparature signal connections60
- max. voltage based sensor connections10
- max. connections (voltage supply or measurement signal) 24
- chamber heating3.5 kW
modes of operation
Hercules offers versatile modes of operation to suit various testing needs:
dimensions
- weight incl. exhaust hood1500 kg
- free volume inside reactor385 dm³
- useable inner dimensions870/685/530 mm
- outer dimensions1730/1320/975 mm
gas chromatography analysis and ARC-like test possibility
- GCoptimal interface for gas chromatography
- ACR likesupporting ARC-like tests, simulating extreme conditions
Whether testing individual battery cells, multi-cell stacks, or entire battery modules, the TR Chamber is equipped to handle a broad spectrum of testing requirements. It supports ARC-like tests, simulating extreme conditions that are crucial for assessing battery safety. With the capability to heat the entire chamber volume up to 80 °C for these tests, it replicates critical conditions that batteries may face during thermal events.
Take safety and innovation to the next level with our advanced chamber. Featuring an optimal interface for gas chromatography (GC) analysis, it delivers precise insights into the chemical composition of vent gases during testing. Equipped with dual tangential centrifugal fans for optimal gas mixing, the chamber ensures accurate detection of hazardous compounds. This cutting-edge technology enhances safety protocols while offering a comprehensive understanding of risks associated with thermal runaway and other failure modes, empowering your team to innovate confidently.
The chamber’s capability to support these analytical methods provides an extra layer of security, ensuring that your testing adheres to the highest safety and environmental standards while providing comprehensive evaluation for today’s advanced battery technologies.
importance of gas analysis
Understanding the amount and composition of gas generated during a thermal runaway event is crucial. An automotive battery pack must sustain thermal runaway and propagation events for a minimum of 5 minutes (GB38031, UN ECE R100). The hot vent gas can provoke thermal propagation and significantly increase pressure within the battery pack. Therefore, the design of vent gas handling systems must be based on precise gas measurements.
typical gas composition
- NMC cells: generate approximately 1.8-3.5 L/Ah of gas, with over two-thirds being flammable
- LFP cells: generate approximately 0.5-1.2 L/Ah of gas, with a higher concentration of hydrogen.
safety features
The Hercules TR Chamber is equipped with advanced safety systems to ensure secure operation:
- pressure monitoring & safety circuit: monitors up to 10 bar with automatic intervention
- overpressure valves: automatically open at 10 bar and reseal when pressure drops
- SPS safety circuits: prevent operation during setup or loading
- inertization inlets: create oxygen-free environments for safe testing
- controlled pressure release: safety valves discharge pressure in case of emergencies
- extraction hood & bypass: bontamination-free gas extraction in regular operation
- maintainable spark protection system: to prevent of oxy-hydrogen explosions
- fail-safe pressure venting: ensures safe access by releasing pressure and venting the chamber in case of a systems or power failure
operation and handling
The Hercules TR Chamber is designed for ease of use and optimal functionality, ensuring smooth operation and effortless handling during testing.
- heavy-duty loading systems: equipped with a durable drawer for easy loading and unloading
- fully opening door: provides easy access to the chamber interior and all measurement ports
- measurement ports: temperature-protected integrated on the drawer for efficient sensor placement
- multiple flanges: allowing flexible feed-through solutions, like cooling systems, GCA connections, etc.
- inspection window: Enables video recording from outside for monitoring tests in real-time
- efficent closure mechanism: quick and pressure-tight sealing for reliable operation
why choose hercules?
overcharge
assessing battery performance under excessive charging conditions
stats:overcharge
- all types of battery cells
- max. current 210 A (CC/CV)
- single cell, stacks or module
over-discharge
assessing battery performance under excessive discharging conditions
stats:over-discharge
- all types of battery cells
- max. current 250 A
- single cell, stacks or module
external short circuit
examining battery resilience when faced with potential short circuit scenarios
stats:external short circuit
- all types of battery cells
- short resistance < 5 mQ
- single cell, stacks or module
overheat
triggering thermal runaway through heat induction
stats:overheat
- slow heating rates 1-10 °K/min
- fast heating rates 60-1500 °K/min
- ARC and non-ARC environment
- ambient temp. 0-80 °C
- local spot heating
- surface heating
thermal propagation
investigating the propagation behavior of battery systems
stats:thermal propagation
- stack or module (all cell types)
- trigger: electrical, thermal or nail penetration
- max. energy density up to 7.5 kWh
- multiple triggers simultaneous / consecutive
mechanical testing
characterizing the mechanical properties and TR behavior under different load cases
stats:mechanical testing
- quasi-static and dynamic (0.1 – 3200mm/s)
- 3-point bending, crush, tab ripping, shear
- up to 30 kN and 600]
- o- 100% soc
- all cell formats and types
nail penetration
assessing battery robustness and safety when subjected to severe puncture incidents
stats:nail penetration
- displacement controlled Ioad
- cell and stack level
- velocity: 0.01 – 20 mm/s
- max. force: 20 kN
- max. cell or stack width 300 mm
- ambient temperature controlled
compression endurance
assessing battery robustness and safety when subjected to severe puncture incidents
stats:compression endurance
- max. applicable force 20 kN
- displacement controlled Ioad
- cell and stack level
- max. cell or stack width 300 mm
- ambient temperature controlled
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