In today's technology - driven world, rechargeable cells and
batteries power an extensive range of devices, from portable
electronics like smartphones and laptops to large - scale energy
storage systems and electric vehicles. Given their ubiquity and the
critical role they play in ensuring the functionality of these
devices, their reliability under various conditions is of utmost
importance. The IEC 62133:2012 standard provides comprehensive
guidelines for the vibration testing of rechargeable cells and
batteries, and a vibration shaker designed to meet these
requirements has become an indispensable asset in the battery
manufacturing and quality control processes.
1. The Significance of Vibration Testing for Rechargeable Cells &
Batteries
Ensuring Device Performance and Safety
Rechargeable cells and batteries are often subjected to vibrations
during transportation, device operation, and in some cases, due to
the mechanical movement of the equipment they power. For example,
in an electric vehicle, the battery pack experiences continuous
vibrations as the vehicle moves on different road surfaces. In a
power - tool, the battery is jostled during use. Vibration testing
aims to simulate these real - world vibration scenarios in a
controlled laboratory environment. By subjecting batteries to
vibrations, manufacturers can identify potential issues such as
loose internal connections, electrode displacement, or damage to
the battery casing. These issues, if left undetected, could lead to
reduced battery performance, shorter lifespan, or in extreme cases,
safety hazards like overheating or leakage. Vibration testing helps
in ensuring that batteries can maintain their performance and
safety under vibration, giving end - users confidence in the
reliability of the devices they power.
Complying with Industry Standards
The IEC 62133:2012 standard is recognized globally as a benchmark
for the safety and performance of rechargeable cells and batteries.
Adhering to this standard not only ensures that batteries meet the
required quality levels but also enables seamless integration of
batteries into a wide range of devices. Manufacturers who comply
with this standard can demonstrate the reliability of their
products to consumers, regulatory bodies, and device manufacturers.
This compliance is especially crucial in industries where product
safety and performance are stringently regulated, such as the
automotive and medical sectors.
2. Understanding the IEC 62133:2012 Standard for Vibration Testing
Key Requirements of the Standard
The IEC 62133:2012 standard outlines specific requirements for the
vibration testing of rechargeable cells and batteries. It defines
the vibration profiles, including the frequency range, amplitude
levels, and test duration. The frequency range typically spans from
a few hertz to several hundred hertz, covering the spectrum of
vibrations that batteries may encounter in different applications.
The amplitude levels, measured in terms of acceleration (g), are
carefully calibrated to simulate the intensity of vibrations in
real - world scenarios. For example, the standard may specify
different amplitude levels for batteries used in handheld devices
compared to those used in industrial machinery. The test duration
is also clearly defined, ensuring that the batteries are subjected
to sufficient vibration exposure to accurately assess their long -
term durability.
Standardization for Quality Assurance
This standard plays a crucial role in standardizing the vibration
testing process across the battery industry. It provides a common
framework for manufacturers to evaluate the performance of their
batteries. By following the IEC 62133:2012 standard, manufacturers
can compare the performance of different battery models and
chemistries, making it easier to identify areas for improvement. It
also helps in ensuring that batteries from different manufacturers
meet a consistent level of quality, which is essential for the
compatibility and reliability of devices that use these batteries.
3. How the Vibration Shaker Works
Working Principle of the Vibration Shaker
A vibration shaker for rechargeable cells and batteries typically
operates on an electrodynamic or hydraulic principle. In an
electrodynamic system, an electrical current is applied to a moving
coil suspended in a magnetic field. According to Fleming's left -
hand rule, this creates a force that causes the coil to move. The
movement of the coil is transferred to the shaker table, which then
vibrates the batteries placed on it. The vibration shaker can
generate a wide range of vibration frequencies and amplitudes by
adjusting the electrical current and the characteristics of the
magnetic field. In a hydraulic system, hydraulic fluid is used to
generate the force that causes the shaker table to vibrate. The
flow and pressure of the hydraulic fluid are controlled to produce
the desired vibration profile.
Components of the Vibration Shaker
The vibration shaker consists of several key components. The shaker
table is the platform on which the rechargeable cells and batteries
are mounted. It is designed to be flat and rigid to ensure uniform
vibration transfer to the test specimens. The power source, whether
it's an electrical power amplifier in an electrodynamic system or a
hydraulic pump in a hydraulic system, provides the energy required
to generate the vibrations. The controller is the brain of the
system, allowing operators to set the desired vibration parameters
such as frequency, amplitude, and test duration. Additionally,
sensors such as accelerometers are used to measure the actual
vibration levels of the shaker table. These sensors provide
feedback to the controller, enabling real - time adjustments to
ensure that the vibration profile remains within the specified
limits of the IEC 62133:2012 standard.
4. Performance Features of the IEC 62133:2012 Compliant Vibration
Shaker
Precise Vibration Control
To meet the IEC 62133:2012 standard, the vibration shaker must
offer precise vibration control. It can accurately adjust the
frequency of the vibrations, with frequency accuracy often within
±0.1%. The amplitude of the vibrations can also be precisely
controlled, with amplitude accuracy typically within ±1%. This
level of precision is crucial for ensuring that the test results
are reliable and repeatable. For example, when testing a lithium -
ion battery for a high - performance drone, the vibration shaker
must be able to precisely reproduce the vibrations it will
encounter during flight, allowing manufacturers to accurately
assess its performance.
Wide Dynamic Range
The ability to cover a wide dynamic range is another important
feature. Rechargeable cells and batteries may experience vibrations
with very low amplitudes in some situations, such as in a
stationary energy storage system, and relatively high amplitudes in
others, like in a power - tool being used vigorously. The vibration
shaker needs to be capable of generating vibrations across this
wide range. It should be able to simulate the gentle vibrations
during normal device operation as well as the more intense
vibrations during rough handling or in harsh operating
environments. A wide dynamic range ensures that all possible
vibration scenarios can be effectively tested.
Robust and Reliable Construction
Given the repetitive nature of vibration testing, the vibration
shaker is built with robust and reliable construction. The shaker
table and other mechanical components are made of high - strength
materials such as aluminum or steel to withstand the high forces
generated during vibration testing. The electrical and hydraulic
components, including the power source and controller, are designed
to operate continuously under high - stress conditions without
degradation. The equipment is also equipped with safety features to
protect the test specimens and the operators. This robust
construction ensures that the vibration shaker can perform
thousands of tests over its lifespan without significant
maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing the efficiency of the
testing process.
Rated Sine/ Random/ Shock Force | 2,200 kgf/2.000 kgf/4,400 kgf | Armature Mass | 25 kg |
Frequency Range | 5-3.000 Hz | Inserts Size (Standard) | M10 |
Max. /Continuous Displacement p-p | 76 mm/63 mm | Load Attachment: Points (Standard) | 21 |
Max. Velocity | 2.0 m/s | Natural Frequency-Thrust Axis | <3Hz |
Max. Sine/ Random Acceleration | 88/60g | Max. Vertical Load Support | 400 kg |
Armature Diameter | 340 mm | Stray field @ 152 mm above table | ≤1mT (10 gauss) |
Fundamental Resonance Frequency | 2,700 Hz (nom.) ± 5% | Dimension LxWxH | 1,160 mmx880mmx 1.050mm |
Allowable Armature Overturning Moment | 500 Nm | Weight (Uncrated) | 1700 kg |
5. Applications of the Vibration Shaker in Testing Rechargeable
Cells & Batteries
Testing of Batteries for Portable Electronics
Batteries used in portable electronics like smartphones, tablets,
and wireless headphones are tested using the vibration shaker.
These batteries need to remain functional and maintain their charge
- holding capacity even when the device is subjected to normal
handling vibrations. For example, a smartphone battery is tested to
ensure that it can withstand the vibrations caused by the user
walking or running with the phone. The vibration shaker can
simulate these vibrations, allowing manufacturers to identify and
address any potential issues with the battery design.
Evaluation of Batteries for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicle batteries are a critical component of the
vehicle's performance and safety. The vibration shaker is used to
test battery packs to ensure they can withstand the vibrations
experienced during driving on different road surfaces. For example,
batteries in an electric car are tested to ensure that the internal
components do not become dislodged or damaged due to vibrations,
which could lead to reduced battery performance or safety issues.
The vibration shaker can accurately simulate the vibrations in an
electric vehicle's operating environment, helping manufacturers
improve the reliability of electric vehicle batteries.
Quality Assurance of Batteries for Industrial Applications
Industrial applications, such as backup power systems in data
centers and power - tools used in construction, also rely on
rechargeable batteries. The vibration shaker is used to test these
batteries to ensure they can maintain their performance under the
vibrations associated with industrial use. For example, batteries
in a power - tool are tested to ensure that they can withstand the
vibrations generated during the tool's operation. The vibration
shaker can simulate these vibrations, allowing manufacturers to
ensure that their industrial batteries meet the high - performance
requirements of these applications.
6. Conclusion
The IEC 62133:2012 compliant vibration shaker is an essential tool
for testing rechargeable cells and batteries. By accurately
simulating the vibrations that these components encounter in real -
world applications, it enables manufacturers to evaluate and
improve their products. With its precise vibration control, wide
dynamic range, and robust construction, this equipment plays a
crucial role in the development and quality assurance of
rechargeable batteries. Whether it's testing batteries for portable
electronics, electric vehicles, or industrial applications, the use
of such a vibration shaker is a key factor in ensuring reliable
battery performance.
If you are involved in the manufacturing, research, or quality
control of rechargeable cells and batteries and are looking for a
reliable vibration testing solution that meets the IEC 62133:2012
standard, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team of experts
is well - versed in vibration testing for batteries and can provide
you with detailed information on how our vibration shakers can be
tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to start a
conversation about enhancing the quality and reliability of your
rechargeable battery products.