As the demand for battery-powered devices rises, so does the need for battery testing. In the past, the average battery current needs were around 5-10 Amps. Nowadays, the average can be up to 100-200 Amps or even more. The added power makes it more important than ever to create a safe and orderly testing environment. One way to accomplish this is by using battery racks and connection systems.
What is a battery rack connection system?
A well-planned battery rack connection system allows researchers to set up and organize their testing equipment to optimize the safety and efficiency of the lab. The system consists of shelves that can hold the batteries undergoing testing as well as cable management. Here we outline five key reasons a battery testing lab can benefit greatly from a battery rack connection system.
1. Provide a Safe Laboratory Environment
A battery rack not only provides a definitive space for batteries to be stored, but it also allows for better cable management, and together they help prevent tripping hazards and potential dangers.
With a designated space for batteries, it will be easier to keep them out of contact with conductive materials, water, seawater, strong oxidizers, and strong acids as well as other materials that could pose a safety hazard if in contact with batteries. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of physical battery damage from being dropped, falling, or being accidentally knocked over.
Batteries like Li-ion ones have the potential to start fires if misused. Proper storage ensures that the batteries do not sustain physical damage through mishandling. It also allows researchers to easily catch when batteries are damaged or puffed up by giving them a clear and organized overview of the batteries.
With better cable management, it is also easier to identify another potential fire hazard: poor electrical connections. As cables are not left on the floor or hanging between surfaces or machines, the chances of tripping in the lab and accidentally loosening connections or damaging wires could be greatly reduced. Tripping is a common cause of accidents in a lab and can be easily prevented with proper management.
2. Comply with Laboratory Safety Regulations
Safety regulations are put in place for any laboratory setup in order to better prevent avoidable accidents. Many popular cells and other batteries formats used in research are considered hazardous materials. Since batteries are also a fire hazard and may contain toxic chemicals, proper handling and lab safety is critical.
There are several standards in place to ensure that batteries and battery testing are both safe. For instance, the Lithium-Ion Batteries Hazard and Use Assessment outlines the standards set by international institutions such as the Underwriters Laboratories, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the International Electrotechnical Commission. These standards are in place to ensure consumer safety and to reduce fire and failure risks. A battery rack can assist labs in conducting efficient testing with safe processes.
A well-organized lab can also demonstrate a lab’s competence and professionalism. By meeting battery and battery test standards, a lab shows its commitment to accurate and safe testing. This helps to prove reliability and credibility to a lab’s partners, customers, and investors.
3. Simplify Physical Battery Management
As previously mentioned, battery racks help researchers keep better track of batteries as well as their respective connections. Batteries can be organized by tray or by rack and can be easily labeled by channel and position. During testing, researchers can better tie physical batteries to the data collected or to specific events. When any anomalies or testing issues arise, the relevant battery can be easily found and necessary steps taken before anything happens.
4. Use Limited Laboratory Space Efficiently
Labs are full of different equipment, computers, cables, and more. Moreover, researchers would also need sufficient space to safely navigate through the lab and reach certain equipment. Battery racks keep batteries organized, and by stacking upwards, there is more space in the lab for movement or even for extra equipment. An organization system helps keep researchers’ workspace clean and tidy, in turn creating a safer working environment. Racks also make it easier to store batteries in a dry, temperature-controlled space that is required for the safe storage of batteries.
5. Enable Greater Battery Testing Productivity
With organized and efficient storage, less time can be spent dealing with various issues. Battery racks reduce potential safety issues and potential hazards from damaged batteries. Batteries that show unexpected or concerning results can be identified and removed quickly. Less time can also be spent working around batteries that are stored randomly or moving batteries when more space is needed.
A lab’s working procedures will also be more efficient and streamlined with better storage. As batteries can be stored on trays, they can be easily removed and switched out once testing is complete. Organized cables will make it more efficient to run and manage the testing process. Batteries can also be easily moved to different locations as needed for different test requirements. All these together reduce the time needed to manage the testing procedures, allowing more time for productive research.
Arbin’s Battery Rack Connection System
Arbin provides battery rack solutions that suit your needs and help you to take advantage of all these benefits for your laboratory. As leading experts in battery testing technology, Arbin battery racks are designed specifically with this purpose in mind. Our racks are made of aluminum and each layer holds one battery track, each of which can hold 4 or 8 battery cells. There is a 7” space in between layers to accommodate different trays or cells. Racks also have lockable casters to keep them in place or to easily move them as needed.
Arbin also has different battery rack options to suit the needs of your lab. Racks come in different sizes: single column with 5 layers; single column with 8 layers; two columns with 16 layers; and three columns with 24 layers. No matter the size of your lab and operation, you can find a rack system that works for you. Different tray types are also available for different types of batteries, including cylindrical cell trays and pouch or flat cell trays. A plain shelf is also available to accommodate other battery holders or battery formats. Cable lengths come in 6 ft, 12 ft, 20 ft, and 30ft to provide the distance you need for convenient connections between batteries and battery test equipment.
Our experts at Arbin can help you customize your ideal battery testing solution for your lab, pairing the right equipment and support infrastructure to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about Arbin’s battery rack connection solutions as well as our high-precision battery test equipment.
