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Battery Testing

As batteries further integrate into consumer, commercial and industrial applications, performance and safety become critical.
battery test chamber

Batteries have a pivotal societal role, from providing the initial power needed to start automobile engines to acting as a backup electrical source for essential services. As batteries are further integrated into consumer, commercial, and industrial applications, their performance and safety become more critical.

The best way to confirm that batteries perform correctly is with a test chamber. As a leading test chamber designer and manufacturer, Weiss Technik has developed innovative solutions to prove out all types of batteries. Here’s a breakdown of battery testing and why incorporating it into your process is advantageous.  

What Is Battery Testing?

Battery testing is the act of performing analyzing, recording or monitoring critical battery operating parameters to ensure effective operation. In some cases, it’s required by an industry standard or regulatory agency like the European Council For Automotive Research And Design, or EUCAR.

Common types of tests performed include:

  • Design Testing
  • Qualification Testing
  • Abuse Testing
  • Cycle Testing
  • Load Testing
  • Production Testing
  • Performance Monitoring
  • Failure Analysis

Batteries are the heart of many stationary, critical power, industrial, and motive power applications. Consequently, monitoring and testing their health and reliability is essential to delivering power on demand. Actual testing parameters vary by application, but typical information sought out includes:

  • Is it fully charged?
  • How much charge is left?
  • Does it meet the manufacturer’s specification?
  • Has there been any performance deterioration?
  • How long will it last?
  • Do the safety mechanisms work?
  • Does it generate interference or electrical noise?
  • Is it affected by interference or electrical noise?

How To Examine Batteries

Pushing batteries to the limit poses a risk. Hazards include fire, deformation, fluid leakage, gas release, and even explosion. Battery test chambers are a standardized way to safely and reliably test batteries during design and production

Developing Advanced Battery Solutions

With test chambers, manufacturers can subject their devices to conditions like extreme temperatures, high humidity, shocks, and vibrations to simulate the life cycle. In doing so, they can determine failure points and set expectations. This helps ensure products fit and function as intended when put into production.  

Verifying Quality On The Production Floor

Test chambers enable quality personnel to quickly expose products to extreme conditions on the production floor. This lets them confirm specific aspects of a procedure or specification are met. These tests can catch nonconforming products before leaving the shop, protecting against subpar performance or, worse, complete failure.

The Emergence Of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Few inventions have changed the modern world as much as rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Used to operate laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, they’ve made remote work possible. Additionally, these batteries help streamline communication and power portable medical devices like the automated external defibrillator, or AED.

Since lithium-ion batteries are relied upon to power applications across almost every industry, manufacturers are racing to develop safer, longer-lasting, and higher-performing options. Batteries that don’t operate safely or are damaged can become a fire or explosion hazard, which is potentially dangerous to the public and damaging to brands. 

Test chambers specifically designed to simulate a wide range of environmental conditions can help you bring lithium-ion batteries to market quickly and safely. Lithium ion battery testing verifies they work safely regardless of climate, be it the dry heat of Arizona, harsh cold of Arctic nations, or corrosive environment of the coast.

battery test chamber

The Right Test Chamber

The standard for EV/Automotive lithium-ion battery cell and pack testing and validation is EUCAR. It has created a series of hazard levels, ranging from 0 to 7. The lower the score, the less the functionality impact. With Hazard Level 7, a possible outcome is an explosion.

Before choosing a test chamber for an EV/Automotive battery application, you should become familiar with the type of test to be performed and the appropriate hazard level. Once the hazard level is established, choose a test chamber fitted with all the devices required for that specific level and those below it to ensure complete protection.

Battery testing for other industries may be subject to the requirements of different regulatory bodies or industry standards. Examples are UL, UN/DOT, SEC, and IEC. If you’re unsure what standards apply to your application or how to meet them, Weiss Technik is happy to assist you.

Our experts can help you determine the optimal test chamber and safety equipment for your process based on the tests needed to be performed and the standards or regulatory requirements that must be met. Typical safety features include:

  • Chamber Ventilation
  • Reinforced Door Latch
  • Pressure Relief Ports
  • Fire-Suppression Systems
  • Spark-Resistant Construction
  • Gas-Monitoring Systems
  • Overheating Sensors
  • Electromagnetic Door Locks

About Weiss Technik

Weiss Technik is one of the most innovative and significant manufacturers of environmental simulation systems. They are the market leader and one of the most innovative manufacturers of environmental simulation systems. With these testing systems, they can simulate all climatic conditions around the globe and beyond, under accelerated conditions. Whether temperature, climate, corrosion, dust or combined shock testing: Weiss Technik has the proper solution. They supply systems in all sizes, from standard versions up to customized, process-integrated facilities – for high reproducibility and precise test results.

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Field Sales Engineer

Felecia Stivers, a native of Rockford, IL, now excels as a Field Sales Engineer at VMA in our Arizona office. Holding a BSEE from Arizona State University, she draws from her extensive background at Medtronic, Orbital Sciences, General Dynamics, and Northrop Grumman.

Specializing in high-reliability applications, Felecia stands out for her proficiency in relationship-building and innovative problem-solving. Whether contributing to medical devices or playing a vital role in rocket launches, her work has had a tangible impact on saving lives and safeguarding the nation.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Felecia enjoys time with her two teenagers, finds joy in travel, and actively engages with her local church. Driven by a passion for helping customers navigate cutting-edge technology, she is committed to delivering dependable solutions in fast-changing environments.

TAYLOR GAUNTT

Field Sales Engineer

Taylor is a Texas native, and grew up in the small town of Boerne, Texas.  He attended Texas A&M University, where earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering.  After college he was recruited by a Manufacturer’s Rep Firm, where he spent the first 7 years of his career. Initially hired on as an inside salesperson, Taylor quickly accelerated within the organization and expanded into various other roles such as Distribution Manager, and Field Sales Engineer.  Taylor then spent the following 7 years working for an electronic component distributor named Electro Enterprises that almost exclusively supported the mil/aero market.

Taylor worked as a Field Sales Engineer supporting the Texas, Utah and New Mexico territory, Product Manager, as well as Director or Business Development where he managed a team of 10 Field Sales Professionals across the entire United States.  Gathering from his previous experiences, Taylor has now taken on the role of Field Sales Engineer with Vic Myers supporting the Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas territory.  Outside of the office you will usually find Taylor either spending time with his wife and two young children, or out on the lake bass fishing.

RICHARD MENDEZ

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Richard was born and raised in Arizona. Attended Arizona State University with a focus in Mechanical Engineering and then fell into Technical Project Management. After 12 years of managing large budget projects spanning system integrations and upgrades, he transitioned into the role of Field Sales Engineer with VMA.

Richard has a deep passion for building relationships with his clients and principals, and supporting them to problem solve and develop innovative solutions. Outside of the office, Richard can be found volunteering as a mentor and coach of high school students at his church, running and hiking the extensive trails of Arizona, and spending time with his wife, 2 boys, 2 girls, and 2 grandkids. Richard is located in our Arizona office.

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Sales Administration

Cell Phone: 480-345-6449
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Tarin was born and raised in Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to Vic Myers she worked in the hospitality industry 20+ years as a Sales Analyst/Administrator.

In her spare time, Tarin enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to historical sites throughout the United States, reading, going to movies and concerts. On the weekends you will find Tarin at her nephews’ band concerts and baseball games. In addition, music and dance have been a part of her life with musical contrasting influences ranging from Prince to Olivia Newton-John.  Tarin is located in our Arizona office.

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Natalie Myers joined Vic Myers Associates in September 2021 and is excited to be part of the team. She received her bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Phoenix and prior to her position as Inside Sales Administration she worked in the Hospitality Industry for over 15 years as a Senior Sales Administrator. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, family and friends along with watching sporting events, traveling, hiking and cheering on her daughter in dance and basketball! Natalie is located in our Arizona office.

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Karen has been a part of Vic Myers Associates team since February 2023. Prior to her position as People and Culture Specialist, she worked in the Science & Technology field as an HR Manager & Project Lead for SAIC and LANL. In the short time with VMA she has learned a lot and looks forward to knowing our business even better in support of all of our employees. She values her church community, her two sons who happen to be engineers, volunteering, and golf. Karen is located in our Albuquerque, NM office.