What Equipment is Needed for Battery Capacity Testing and Sorting?

Battery capacity testing and sorting play an invaluable role within the battery industry as they enable every battery to function faithfully and as required according to the specific and very demanding requirements from each domain, be that electronics, automobiles, renewable energy systems and so on. Properly sorting and testing battery capacity is necessary to meet expectations. In this article we’ll cover some of the basic equipment involved in this process.
1. Battery Sorting Machine
Battery sorting machines are the machines of choice for sorting cells the basis on which they are to be tested, whether that be capacity, voltage, internal resistance etc. A plethora of cell types and shapes from mainstream battery types like 18650, 21700 or prismatic cells, to anything can processed in such machines, making such technology essential to effective batch processing of cells and modules. Automatic or semi-automatic systems are available. The machines will typically help further separate batteries so they may be sorted for other tests or for recycling.
2. Battery Capacity Tester
Battery capacity testers are the tools for measuring the maximum charge a battery may accept, giving a reading in mAh (milliampere-hours), Ah (ampere-hours scale) or similar scale/units of measure. The principle of operation is based around discharging the battery at a certain rate and measuring as total energy that battery has downgraded to during that whole hole that that drop constitutes the cut-off voltage when used to draw power from the battery through the tests. High quality battery testers are recommended for accurate testing, and such, adjustable rates at the rates and ranges for the battery and type in mind.IR (Internal Resistance) Tester
Importance of Battery Internal Resistance — An Internal Resistance (IR) tester is essential for measuring the internal resistance of a battery. Batteries that are deteriorating may have internal resistance problems. If so, they need to be selected out of the production main pack to ensure that the charger works satisfactorily.
4. Automatic Sorting System
For great volumes — An automatic sorting system for application in large operations is automatic. It is based on the battery conveyor fashion of rotor sorting, but dispenses with manual assistance.
5. Battery Feeder System
Working according to the Department of Education and Science planning guide for schools where it states that “the need for building new schools and extensions makes it all the more necessary to get the best out of what we have,” there is in this catalogue a typemetal feeder, robot-fed wheel conveyor! This therapy is a battery feeder for use with automatic sorting machines.
6. Battery Sorting CabinetThey are particularly beneficial for sorting cells that will be going into battery packs and thus help prevent the mixing of different charge levels or grades of batteries.
7. Pouch Cell Sorting System
Manufacturers of pouch cells benefit from a pouch cell sorting system. Due to the structure of pouch cells, these systems are configured to sort this type of battery and can, for example, sort by voltage or capacity. As pouch cells come to the fore in EV and energy storage applications, the correct sorting system keeps these batteries performing well.
8. Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
In more exotic applications or in research and the development of new battery technologies, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) may be employed. This equipment is the sort you would find in a lab and is used for sorting batteries based on very specific characteristics, using fluorescence markers. Not necessarily one for mass production but useful for niche applications.
9. Manual Sorting Machines
There is a place for low-tech sorting machines as well. For smaller or more custom-type applications, manual sorting machines may still be in use. Non-automated low-tech solutions where the operator sorts the battery by hand or with simple mechanical tools. Although slower, these machines can be an economy if the batch sizes are small and testing is not automated.
Conclusion
Battery capacity testing, sorting, etc. require a varied array of equipment to suit there spectra of needs. From battery sorting machine to capacity tester, internal resistance tester, automated and so on, know what you need to be sure will get there job done successfully. Quality sorting and measuring equipment not only enhances the performance of your batteries but extends their life span thus affording a better return on your investment for years to come.