// New 360 kw test rig for vehicle batteries

The rise of e-mobility has led to an increased demand for adequate test facilities for large batteries (> 100 kW), so we had to expand the infrastructure at the test centre of the ZSW Laboratory for Battery Technology (eLaB). A battery test rig for electric vehicle batteries was built with the support of the state of Baden- Württemberg. It accommodates up to 360 kilowatts of testing capacity (power: 2 x 180 kW = 360 kW, voltage: 1,000 V, current: 2 x 600 A =1,200 A) with a 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 m (WxDxH) temperature chamber for the range of -55°C to 140°C, and a temperature ramp rate of 4°K/min (see fig. above). 

Since the battery test area at ZSW is mainly used to test prototype lithium-ion batteries of which the technical implementation of safety functions has yet to be tested a certain, albeit very small, residual risk can be assumed for these battery prototypes. With a part of these special funds, an external battery storage facility (see fig. below) was also built in order to improve the overall safety of the eLaB, as no cells have to be stored inside the building. The storage facility ensures a temperature range of 5°C to 35°C and is designed for batteries with a total energy content of up to 1 MWh. It is connected to the fire alarm system of the eLaB and is structurally separated from the building. The building measures 10.2 x 5.8 x 4.2 m and is accessible