Load cycler for life cycle testing of batteries

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This proposal is to acquire a battery test station/cycling apparatus to load cycle batteries and small battery packs targeted for the automotive hybrid power train application. Electrification of automotive systems has been increasingly concerned as the most promising future transportation solution to global energy crisis as well as more and more stringent requirements on environment protection through reduced emissions and resource conservation. The automotive industry is at the core of Ontario's economy with seven of the world's largest vehicle manufacturers operating 14 plants in the province. Development of leading-edge technologies related to electric vehicle systems would therefore considerably contribute to strengthening and enhancing the international competitiveness of Ontario automotive sector and also rapid growth of the Ontario's economy. The key sub-system of pure electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is the battery system. A pure electric vehicle uses batteries as its sole source of power while a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) extends the range of a battery only electric vehicle by use of an engine or fuel cell. An EV is by its very nature a plug-in vehicle that can be charge from the electricity grid. Electric power storage systems are the bottleneck in the introduction of full electric vehicles to the market. The challenges in developing commercially viable electric power storage systems are many and this proposal is intended to use a multidisciplinary approach to address those that have hindered manufacturers from immediate production and marketing. Lithium-Ion (LiIon) technology was initially developed for consumer electronics applications (AA or AAA cells), and LiIon batteries for automotive applications require large prismatic cells which have fundamental differences in engineering design and operating characteristics that are not well understood at this time. Among the most important issues/challenges that this proposal is intended to address are the research programs to be supported with this equipment: 1) Batteries state of charge and life prediction and degradation modeling, 2) Thermal management of battery system, and 3) Batteries in-line monitoring and diagnosis.