We are experts in battery electrochemistry. We focus on science rather than engineering. Science generates new knowledge by collecting and analyzing data. Through this process, unknown entities can be defined. This could include determination of a battery lifetime under application conditions, something a standardized test usually does not do. Or perhaps you have a high power application and are concerned with thermal management. We can set up testing that will reflect your application and evaluate the temperature increases directly (thermal models are only as good as their input data). Customized tests give you detailed information about your particular battery in your particular application.
Our expertise includes the design of the insides of the battery (materials and cell design), charging, safety and the battery performance. These technical areas become increasingly important with large packs and battery management. We have both manufacturing experience and new materials (research) experience.
Our investigations are laboratory based. We offer custom services for companies that don’t have their own battery laboratory. We have many analysis capabilities on site, but if we can’t provide a needed analysis directly we can arrange for analysis with collaborative laboratories. Importantly, we would then interpret the results, a missing facet of many engineering based investigations.
We have particular knowledge in lead-acid batteries (both theoretical and manufacturing) that is somewhat hard to find. We have expertise in Li-ion batteries, of all types. And also have experience with advanced batteries like redox flow and Li/S.
For example, who would you ask to review your design of a redox flow cell? How about determine your energy efficiency versus charge profile? What is the lifetime of a battery in your application? These determinations are not expensive or difficult, they are however custom and not offered by many testing labs.
We see many new applications for batteries in the realm of large packs. The challenges of managing a large pack are related to keeping the multitude of cells in their proper operating zones. For Li-ion batteries, this is critical. The mistakes that led to the Boeing Dreamliner fires were preventable with easy precautions.
Please contact us if you are in need of electrochemical expertise for your battery projects. The cost of design review is minimal compared to the cost of failures in the field.