UN 38.3 Lithium Battery Test Requirements

The standard "UN 38.3 Lithium battery test requirements" published by the United Nations (UN) describes the procedures to be followed for the classification of lithium metal and lithium-ion cells and batteries. The test procedures described in this standard include:

• T1 Altitude simulation (15200 meters altitude atmosphere) (primary and secondary cells and batteries): This test simulates air transportation under low pressure conditions.
• T2 Thermal test (40-hour standby periods at minus 72 and plus 12 degrees, repeated 10 times) (primary and secondary cells and batteries): This test evaluates the cell and battery seal integrity and internal electrical connections.
• T3 Vibration test (7G from 18Hz to 1Hz, 18G from at least 200Hz to 2Hz, 3-hour test on each axis) (primary and secondary cells and batteries): This test simulates vibration during transportation.
• T4 Shock test (34,6 g shock pulses in positive and negative directions) (primary and secondary cells and batteries): This test evaluates the resistance of cells and batteries to cumulative shocks.
• T5 External short circuit test (pack is conditioned at 57 degrees and held for 1 hour or longer) (primary and secondary cells and batteries): This test simulates an external short circuit.
• T6 Impact test (9,1 lb (61 kg) mass dropped from XNUMX feet (XNUMX cm) (primary and secondary batteries): These tests simulate mechanical abuse from a blow or crush that could lead to an internal short circuit.
• T7 Overcharge test (charged at twice the manufacturer's recommended current) (secondary batteries): This test evaluates the ability of a rechargeable battery or a single-cell rechargeable battery to withstand an overcharge condition.
• T8 Forced discharge test (12 Volt power supply connected in series at maximum recommended current) (primary and secondary batteries): This test evaluates the ability of a primary or rechargeable battery to withstand a forced discharge condition.

Lithium metal and lithium ion cells and batteries must be subjected to the tests required by the relevant special provisions of the model regulations before a particular cell or battery type can be transported. Cells and batteries are considered a new type and are subjected to the necessary tests if:

• Primary Cells and batteries a change by mass of more than 0,1 g or 20 percent, whichever is greater, in the cathode, anode, or electrolyte.
• For rechargeable cells and batteries, a change in nominal energy in Watt-hours of more than 20 percent or an increase in nominal voltage of more than 20 percent.
• A change that would cause any of the tests to fail.

The type of change that may be considered to be different from a species tested that could lead to failure of any of the test results includes, but is not limited to:

• Change in the material of the anode, cathode, separator or electrolyte
• Changes to protective devices, including hardware and software
• Changes to safety design in cells or batteries, such as vent valves
• A change in the number of component cells
• A change in the connection mode of the component cells

If a cell or battery type fails to meet one or more of the test requirements, steps must be taken to correct the deficiency or deficiencies that caused the failure before the cell or battery type is retested.

Total lithium content refers to the sum of the lithium content in grams contained by the cells that make up a battery.

A battery refers to two or more cells or batteries electrically connected together and equipped with the necessary devices for use. Generally, units with two or more cells whose primary function is to provide a power source for other equipment are considered batteries.

Battery means a single enclosed electrochemical unit (one positive and one negative electrode) that exhibits a voltage difference between its two terminals and may include protective devices. Component cell means the cell contained in a battery. A component cell should not be considered a single-cell battery.

Cycle means a sequence of fully charging and fully discharging a rechargeable cell or battery.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "UN 38.3 Lithium battery testing requirements" standard are also provided to businesses.