Pilot BTV For EV Battery Test
The Pilot BTV is Seica’s latest flying prober designed for the demanding battery market, including EVs, aviation, and energy storage. It offers advanced test technology, such as 3-axis probing, weld bond and State of Charge (SoC) measurements, and the ability to charge or discharge cells to meet specifications.
The system tests 600+ battery cells using 4 flying probe arms on 2 axes and a vertical probing plate on the 3rd axis, testing up to 16 cells in parallel. This ensures high production capacity to meet growing EV market demands.
Unlike other testers that probe from 1-2 sides, the Pilot BTV’s 3-axis capability is unique. It can handle batteries up to 300kg with automatic loading/unloading. The system performs both weld and functional testing simultaneously, correcting out-of-tolerance cells by charging or discharging them directly during production. This reduces reinspection steps, extra equipment, and floor space, saving costs.
The Pilot BTV’s parallel testing of 16+ cells enhances production efficiency, making it a game-changer for the fast-expanding EV market.
Battery Testing
One of the main challenges is ensuring the quality and reliability of the electrical connections between battery cells, which are essential for the battery pack’s proper operation.
To meet the growing need for electrical testing of the bonds inside battery packs, a new line of flying probe systems has been introduced: Pilot BT, Pilot BTV, and Pilot BTP.
The Pilot BT system can test the battery pack from the TOP side, performing precise parallel Kelvin tests on more than 32 cells at once, achieving a production rate of almost 4,800 cells per minute in its maximum configuration. It features a large testing area and uses the Bosch handling system to transport batteries.
For more complex battery packs requiring access from multiple sides, the Pilot BTV (Vertical Battery Tester) is available. This flying probe system allows simultaneous and automatic access on three sides. The Pilot BTP is a fully automated, horizontally oriented test system equipped with four flying test heads, enabling full-scale parallel testing and validation of EV battery packs.
The prestigious 2024 Mexico Technology Award in the category of Flying Probe Testing for Electric Vehicles (EV) was awarded to the Pilot BTV system.
ACIR Testing
Another crucial aspect of battery testing is measuring the internal resistance (IR) of the cells. Uneven current distribution can cause dangerous temperature variations within the battery pack. Solutions for both direct current (DCIR) and alternating current (ACIR) resistance measurements are available, with tools like the Mini80 and Mini200, which can be integrated into automated systems or used for manual testing.
Battery Management System (BMS)
The Battery Management System (BMS) is another key component, crucial for the performance, reliability, and lifespan of the battery. To ensure that each BMS meets its specifications, a full functional test is necessary, which involves simulating the real operating conditions the BMS will encounter. The Compact BMS Test System has been developed to carry out comprehensive functional tests, simulating scenarios such as cell balancing and temperature fluctuations, ensuring the system operates correctly under all conditions.
OBC And Inverter
The OnBoard Charger (OBC) module is an essential part of electric vehicles, responsible for recharging the battery pack when the vehicle is stationary. The inverter module serves a similar role, but in reverse, powering the electric motor.
To thoroughly test these two modules, two systems based on the Compact MULTI platform have been developed: Compact Multi-OBC and Compact Multi-Inverter
Electric Motor
Testing the full functionality of an electric motor requires specific expertise and a purpose-built system. The EMT EOL line comes in three variants (250, 600, and 3000), allowing for the testing of a wide range of electric motors.
With nearly 40 years of expertise, a trusted partnership is offered for EV manufacturers, delivering innovative and tailored testing solutions to keep pace with the ever-changing market.