When benchmarking battery packs the intention is to create a standard list of data and then a list of references. This form will post will form the standard list that we will use going forward and hence we need to get this 90% complete before we start.
The first thing to look at when benchmarking battery packs are the high level specifications:
- total energy [Wh]
- usable energy [Wh]
- peak power [W]
- continuous power [W]
- nominal voltage [V]
- capacity [Ah]
- voltage range [V]
- weight [kg]
- volume [litres]
- pack dimensions x,y,z [m]
- number of cells [#]
- charge time [minutes]
- cell format
- cooling system
- cell make and model
- pack cost
Using these we can ascertain a number of the key pack metrics:
- Wh/kg
- Wh/litre
- W/kg
- W/litre
- $/kWh
- Cell to Pack mass ratio
- Cell to Pack volume ratio
Also, these specifications and metrics can be cross-correlated to check their legitimacy.
Other key features:
- Safety
- BMS design
- HV and LV Connections
- Cooling Connections
- Structural / non-structural pack
- Case material
- Sealing strategy
- Venting strategy
- Durability – % of pack capacity available after 10 years
- Availability
- Recycling
- Shipping
This list will need to work with the simplest of battery pack designs through to the most complex.
References:
- Manufacturer specification pages
- Manufacturers repair manuals
- Blogs and articles
- Youtube teardowns
- Published usage data
- Battery consultant teardowns – often programs that have a subscription or substantial report cost.