Thermal testing of HV batteries

Understanding and Early Prevention of Thermal Runaway

The mobility transition is essentially determined by the battery-powered, electric drivetrain – the optimization of the HV battery is therefore an important adjusting screw. One parameter is the focus of testing: temperature. It is relevant for the flawless and efficient operation of the vehicle. Valuable findings for the safety and correct design of the system can be derived from observing the thermal behavior. This is a good reason to perform detailed and close-meshed measurements of the temperatures inside a traction battery.

Temperature measurements during “thermal propagation”

Taking a Closer Look: Extreme Case of Battery Fire

Fully or partially electric cars are a promising alternative for sustainable mobility – however, the safe operation of high-voltage batteries plays a crucial role. Thermal propagation tests, i.e. the uncontrolled chain reaction of overheating that jumps from one cell to the next and can ultimately cause the battery to catch fire, are standard according to international norms. Together with measurement technology from CSM, Green Testing Lab from Austria therefore offers temperature tests on batteries during such an extreme event to develop optimization measures at an early stage and minimize potential risks.

Investigation of the Thermal Runaway in Vehicle Batteries

Thermal runaways in the HV batteries of electric and hybrid vehicles can lead to fires that are difficult to extinguish and endanger passenger safety. Extensive testing is required to ensure that HV batteries are designed safely with suitable protective mechanisms. In this application example you will learn how the necessary temperature measurements can be carried out at many points in the battery.

Thermal Characterization of High-Voltage Batteries

The thermal characterization of high-voltage batteries requires precise temperature measurements down to cell level with a large number of sensors. Only with precise insights in the thermal behaviour of battery cells and the whole system further optimization can be performed. With the HV DTemp measurement system, temperatures on the cell level can be measured with up to 512 sensors on only one sensor cable.

Temperature Measurement in High-Voltage Batteries

High-voltage batteries play a central role in the development of electric vehicles. Temperature management is one of the key factors for their optimal function, which is why temperature measurements are carried out under different conditions during development and pre-series production. The following example shows how such a temperature measurement can be realized in the high-voltage battery.