JFE Techno-Research Expands Long-Term Corrosion Resistance Evaluation Service for Large EV Battery Units

Background

Towards the realization of carbon neutrality, the mobility sector is rapidly advancing towards electrification (EVs). Consequently, long-term durability evaluation is required for in-vehicle batteries, with Cyclic Corrosion Test (CCT)*1 being a core evaluation method.

However, CCT for batteries has presented the following challenges:

- Extended Test Duration: Often ranging from tens of days to half a year, leading to long equipment occupancy periods. - Safety Assurance: Addressing the risk of abnormal heat generation unique to battery durability testing. - Equipment Investment Burden: Securing in-house testing equipment requires significant cost and space.

JFE Techno-Research has accumulated advanced evaluation and analysis technologies for materials and components over many years within the JFE Group, which is centered on the steel industry. In particular, through long-term business relationships with the automotive industry, we possess extensive experience in the long-term durability evaluation of automotive components, including CCT. Concurrently, we offer contract services for the prototyping and evaluation of lithium-ion batteries, giving us deep insights into battery technology. Against this backdrop, leveraging the dual strengths of "automotive component evaluation experience" and "battery technology expertise," we have established a CCT testing environment adapted for batteries that balances "safety" and "efficiency," and have expanded our contract evaluation services.

*1 Cyclic Corrosion Test (CCT): A test method that accelerates and reproduces corrosion under actual environmental conditions by repeating cycles such as salt spray, drying, and humidification. It is widely used in the automotive industry for evaluating the durability of in-vehicle components.

Figure 1: External view of the test equipment Figure 2: Internal view of the test equipment

Service Features

1. Safety Design Considering Battery Testing

The most significant feature of this service is the multi-layered safety measures designed with the specific risks of batteries in mind.

- Real-time Temperature Monitoring: Constant monitoring of the temperature of representative battery parts during testing. - Automatic Response to Abnormalities: An automatic shutdown mechanism activated upon detection of temperature anomalies. - Shower Cooling Function: Rapid cooling response in case of abnormal heat generation.

2. Testing Equipment Capable of Handling Large Batteries

Evaluation is possible under a wide range of test conditions, even for large battery units for EVs.

- Internal Dimensions of Test Chamber: 2m (width) x 3m (depth) x 1.9m (height) (Our largest class). - Maximum Load Capacity: 1,500 kg (1,200 kg when temperature and humidity are guaranteed). - Low-Temperature Evaluation Support: Capable of low-temperature cycle testing down to -20°C, simulating cold regions.

3. Testing Know-how Based on Extensive Experience

JFE Techno-Research has operated multiple CCT testing machines for many years, accumulating advanced knowledge and extensive experience from test condition design to management. We will propose optimal test plans tailored to your testing objectives.

Benefits of Implementation

1. Improved Development Speed:

Outsourcing long-term tests allows you to focus your in-house equipment and resources on new development, shortening development lead times.

2. Optimization of Costs and Resources:

Reduces the burden of high-priced equipment investment and maintenance, and secures evaluation opportunities by resolving test slot shortages.

3. Reduction of Safety Risks:

Conducting tests in a specially designed safe environment reduces the risks associated with in-house testing.

Service and Test Equipment Overview

- Target: Lithium-ion batteries and other various batteries. - Test Content: Cyclic Corrosion Test (CCT). - Service Format: Contract testing. - Test Equipment Specifications: Refer to Table 1.

Table 1: Test Equipment Specifications List

Item

Details

Internal Dimensions of Test Chamber

2m (width) x 3m (depth) x 1.9m (height)

(External dimensions: 4.3m (width) x 5m (depth) x 3m (height))

Load Capacity

1,500 kg (1,200 kg for guaranteed temperature and humidity)

Test Conditions (Settings)

Spray Temperature: 25-50°C

Drying: 20-70°C, 25-50% RH

Humidification: 25-70°C, 50-100% RH

Low Temperature: -20-20°C

Distribution Control

Temperature: ±5°C, Humidity ±10% RH

Supported Cycle Conditions

Old JASO, JIS C60068-2-52, SST, etc.

Future Development

JFE Techno-Research will continue to provide various solutions that leverage its long-cultivated evaluation and analysis technologies to manufacturers, contributing to the realization of carbon neutrality.

● For details, please visit the following website:

https://www.jfe-tec.co.jp/tech-consul/weatherability-battery.html

● Other Related Information

[Cyclic Corrosion Test and Evaluation Technology]

https://www.jfe-tec.co.jp/tech-consul/weatherability-01.html

[Battery and Battery Material Evaluation]

https://www.jfe-tec.co.jp/battery/

<About JFE Techno-Research Corporation>

Company Name: JFE Techno-Research Corporation

Head Office Location: Otemachi Building 4F, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Representative: Kazuhiro Hanazawa, Representative Director

Business Activities: Testing, Analysis, Examination, Evaluation, Consulting, Equipment Development

<Contact Information for Inquiries Regarding This Matter>

JFE Techno-Research Corporation Sales General Affairs Department

E-mail: [email protected]

URL: https://www.jfe-tec.co.jp