New Technology from INFICON will soon allow automakers and battery suppliers to reliably test lithium-ion battery cells, an important part of the electric-vehicle battery for the first time.
Faulty battery cells of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs can dramatically shorten battery life, increase warranty costs, affect customer satisfaction, and damage product reputation, as well as create safety-and-drivability problems.
“INFICON's breakthrough leak-detection systems can reliably and accurately test all types of lithium-ion battery cells for the first time – the single most important leak-detection development in the past 10 years,” INFICON commented speaking of the new technology.
The company's new leak detector is based on mass-spectrometer technology and can spot dangerous leaks in lithium-ion battery cells 1,000 times smaller than currently possible.
"The rapid detection of even the smallest battery-cell leaks is absolutely essential to achieving extended service life and meeting necessary safety requirements," Dr. Daniel Wetzig, Director R&D at INFICON and director for leak detection based in Cologne.
"The use of industry-first spectrometer technology, for example, can help assure an extended EV battery life of up to 10 years or more."
The leak-detection system has been developed at the company's research facilities in Cologne, Germany, they also incorporate sensor technology from INFICON's North American headquarters in Syracuse, New York.
Commenting on the significance of new technology for the battery industry, Thomas Parker, North American automotive sales manager at INFICON noted, "Automakers in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region want to maintain high-quality standards and customer acceptance levels for their future wave of electric vehicles.”
“Car companies will have the most to lose if their batteries can't achieve mileage targets, require early replacement or cause safety concerns."
The global market for battery cells is expected to more than double from an estimated $44 billion this year to nearly $95 billion in 2025.
