Voltavision presents new test equipment: Innovative EF-600 contacting system for large pouch and solid-state cells with maximum precision and efficiency

Reliable and future-proof: With the new EF-600, Voltavision presents an innovative system for the efficient contacting of large pouch cells with opposing contacts as well as solid-state battery cells. Designed as a slide-in system, the in-house development combines simple handling in a robust design with flexible adaptability for a wide range of test scenarios while maintaining consistently high contact quality. Homogeneous temperature distribution within the chamber and fast, reproducible handling of test specimens are guaranteed at all times. A new sense spring instead of a contact pin, a new surface structure and maximum contact force ensure optimized measuring accuracy.

Maximum precision thanks to new sense contact spring and surface

While Voltavision's proven ESF-45 system is designed for smaller foil cells with a current carrying capacity of 45 amperes, the new EF-600 enables testing of cells with sizes ranging from 50 cm to 1 m. The current carrying capacity of the system can be flexibly adapted to customer requirements from 10, 100, 200 up to 600 amperes - and beyond. The system works reliably in a wide temperature range from -35 °C to +90 °C and a relative humidity of 0 to 75 % and therefore offers the necessary robustness for a wide range of test conditions.

An outstanding feature is the new sense spring, which enables even more precise voltage measurement. In contrast to the conventional contact pin, the sense pick-up takes place directly at the cell flags and measures across their entire width. This measurement method, which starts at the source - even before the actual current flow - minimizes interference signals and ensures a new level of accuracy. As an option, the clamping plate used is also available with integrated temperature sensors so that the temperature can be measured directly on the cell body. This is particularly recommended for large cells, which can also be loaded with higher currents.

In addition, the contact elements of the EF-600 are characterized for the first time by a waffle-like surface structure. This significantly reduces contact resistance and effectively removes dirt particles via grooves. A spring-loaded counter element on the upper side completely compensates for unevenness and thus ensures a consistently strong contact force - even with particularly high currents and demanding cell types.

Tool-free contacting for maximum ease of use

The new EF-600 contacting system is based on an advanced slide-in system that enables tool-free contacting without wiring on the test specimen. The clamping slats are fully integrated on the slide-in unit and offer contact elements that can be easily moved on one side with a simplified clamping mechanism, which contact the cell flags directly. Accordingly, the cells can be prepared outside the chamber and then integrated into the set-up frame to save space. Sliding shoes on the slide-in unit allow the cells to be inserted safely and easily into the chamber and connected without tools via a rear connector. This sophisticated design saves time, makes handling easier and ensures a smooth test procedure. Simple tracking of the test specimen is also ensured. A QR code and scanner or an NFC chip can be used to ensure that the test program is correctly assigned to the cell.

Innovative strength from in-house development

As a leading testing specialist for cells, modules and battery systems, Voltavision develops its own test equipment for the best possible test performance. With the EF-600, the company offers a powerful and flexible contacting system for large pouch and solid-state cells that meets the most demanding test scenarios. The clamping plates are optionally available with integrated temperature sensors so that the temperature is measured directly on the cell surface. This is particularly recommended for large cells, which can also be loaded with higher currents and tend to have a wider temperature spread

The new system was also developed in-house and is already in use at Voltavision for both cell types. In addition, the Bochum-based company also offers other test laboratories its solutions for use under the highest laboratory stresses and test conditions for fast and reproducible contacting of pouch cells of various sizes.