Equipment

RESL is a safe, versatile applied battery research laboratory with test systems ranging up to 100 kW, 1000 A, 800 V, and grid-regenerative.

Our facility and laboratory has a broad array of technical systems (electrical, thermal, data-acquisition) in a purpose built space for safety of our experiments, researchers, and the public. Specifically:

• Single-story non-flammable structure with multiple loading docks and egress points
• Division of test space, technical space, and monitoring space with fire-doors and safety-glass
• Sprinkler, safety shower, eyewash, and alarms
• Dedicated HVAC system and operation of the test space in slight negative pressure
• Fume hood for battery dissection
• Containerized battery storage (20′)

Power cyclers

Four units to operate on the range of cells, modules, and entire large battery packs. A GLI-GK Regenerative Unit, 1 Arbin unit and 2 Neware units.

The first unit is the GLI 1, a grid regenerative battery pack cycler, with 2 channels and up to 800 V, ±400 A (±200 A/Ch).

The next 3 units are the Arbin, Neware 1 and Neware 2 as seen below.

• Arbin – Battery Module Cycler with 3 channels; 0-20V, ±300 A (±100 A/Ch)
• Neware 1 – Battery Cell Cycler with 8 Channels; 0-5V, ±200 A (±50 A/Ch)
• Neware 2 – Battery Cell cycler with 16 channels; 0-5 V, ±200 A (±50 A/Ch)

Arbin – Battery module cycler with 3 Channels: 0-20 V, ±300 A (±100 A/Ch)

Neware 1 – Battery cell cycler with 8 channels: 0-5 V, ±200 A (±50 A/Ch)

Neware 2 – Battery cell cycler with 16 channels: 0-5 V, ±200 A (±50 A/Ch)

Thermal units

Two units including liquid and air cooling and a range of operation from -80 to +350 degrees C.

Vacuum Chamber

We have one vacuum chamber that can go down to 200 Pa.

Batteries

Approximately 500 kWh of batteries available at all times, including lithium-ion, lead-acid, sodium-nickel-chloride, nickel-metal-hydride, etc. In the lithium-ion category we operate 4 positives (NCA, NMC, LMO, LFP), 2 negatives (GR, HC), 3 formats (prismatic, cylindrical, pouch), and 3 thermal types (passive, air, liquid)

Data acquisition

A broad array of measurement instruments including: Fluke oscilloscopes, battery IR meters, and meggers; digital SG instruments; and a host of dataloggers from Campbell Scientific and DataTaker. We ruggedize these for site deployments.

Each measurement instrument has an important feature. In the lab, we have:

• Fluke DMM 289 – Dual Display; Recording
• Fluke DMM 87 – High Speed Max/Min
• Fluke BT510 – Battery Internal Resistance Measurement
• Fluke 1587 – Insulation level tester up to 1000V
• Fluke i1010 – Up to 1000 ADC; Scopemeter compatible
• Fluke 336 Clampmeter – Up to 600 ADC
• Fluke DMM 8845A – 6.5 digits resolution; high accuracy
• Fluke 190-104 4 channel Scopemeter – Real-time AC to DC power conversion calculations
• Elitech VGW-760 Digital Vacuum Gauge – Measures 0- 2000 Pa
• Anton Paar Specific Gravity Meter DMA35 – Ultrasonic; Bluetooth compatible

Fluke DMM 289: Dual display, recording

Fluke DMM 87: High speed min/max

Fluke BT510 (Battery Analyzer): Battery Internal Resistance Measurement

Fluke 4 Channel Scope: Real-time AC to DC power conversion calculations

Vacuum Meter: Measures 0-2000 Pa

Fluke 336 Clampmeter: Up to 600 ADC

SG Meter: Ultrasonic; bluetooth compatible

Fluke 1587: Insulation level tester up to 1000V

Fluke i1010: Up to 1000 ADC; scopemeter compatible

Our newest meter is the Fluke 8845A. It has 6.5 digits resolution and very high accuracy.

Mechanical tools

We build all our own cabling using high-quality Carol cable, Magna-lugs, and Anderson Power connectors. In order to make all of our own cabling we have a hydraulic crimper that is 10,000 psi, and is suitable for 4/0+.

Fume hood

Used for battery fill, analysis, and dissection.