Method development for testing propulsion batteries at a workshop : Parameter identification through experiments and investigation of challenges with workshop implementation

Abstract: The electrification within the automotive industry goes faster than ever, which drives an increased demand for more knowledge about batteries. Vehicle manufacturers should be able to tell how long the batteries will last and have a service program for electrified vehicles, just as there is for traditional, fuel-driven ones. Scania is in the process of developing new service methods for their hybrids and fully electrified vehicles where this thesis has been a part of this development by investigating the possibilities of having a workshop test to measure the capacity of the propulsion batteries.  During the thesis, essential parameters for cycling the batteries and measure the capacity with high accuracy have been identified and investigated by conducting lab tests. In parallel to defining the properties of a successful capacity measurement, the implementation of such a measurement at a workshop has been studied alongside a brief discussion about scheduling strategies. Conducting a capacity measurement in a workshop environment introduce new challenges, and the critical question arises, how long can the capacity measurement take? It is identified that the state of charge window size, the temperature, and the relaxation time are essential parameters to control. From the experimental part of the thesis, it can be concluded that the start temperature should lay in the range of 15-25 °C with a relaxation time of 5-10 minutes providing a satisfying accuracy. A SOC window size of 20-80% seems to be the most optimal balance between time spent and accuracy in the measurement. Furthermore, it is identified that the workshop's equipment is heavily influencing the time it takes to conduct a test. It is concluded that it is necessary to be able to charge and discharge the batteries.