Solar Energy Labs - Technology, Research and Innovation

The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise. One of the most important components of an electric vehicle is the battery. Quality manufacturing plays a key role in the performance of the battery. However, before the manufacturing process can be implemented, you must make sure you have all the essentials for EV battery manufacturing in your lab.

What is an EV Battery?

An EV battery is a group of single battery cells that are clustered and protected by a frame known as a module. Each module has its own circuitry and the modules are grouped together into a pack. The pack is controlled by a management and cooling system that manages the energy’s charges and discharges, regulates the voltage & heat, and controls at what rate the battery drains.

The batteries are powered by lithium-ions that move through an electrolyte solution. Electrolytes carry ions that are positively charged between electrodes known as anodes and cathodes. This creates an electric current that powers the motor. The batteries are made out of combinations and chemistries of lithium, cobalt, iron, carbon, aluminum, nickel, manganese, phosphorus, silicon, and oxygen.

What is EV Battery Manufacturing?

EV battery manufacturing is the production of batteries for electric vehicles. Currently, electric vehicles run on lithium-ion batteries. Manufacturers are always experimenting with the production process, configurations, and with chemistries. Their goal is to continuously create even more efficient batteries that cost less, last longer, and are more environmentally friendly.

Electric vehicles compete with other electronics for the lithium-ion batteries. Even though the elements that make up the lithium-ion batteries are very common, the issue is producing enough batteries to keep up with the increasing demand for electric vehicles.

What Lab Equipment Do I Need During the EV Battery Manufacturing Process?

There are certain types of lab equipment and chemicals needed for the manufacturing process of EV batteries.

Hot plate stirrer. Hot plate stirrers are needed for slurry making during the electrode manufacturing stage.

Oven - forced convection. Forced-convection ovens are also needed during the electrode manufacturing stage for drying such as the Yamato DKN-602C.

Oven - vacuum. A vacuum oven is needed for the battery manufacturing process such as the Yamato ADP-300C.

Incubator. Incubators are an integral part of the battery manufacturing process. The Yamato IC-103C is a general purpose incubator and is ideal for this process.

Microscopes. Microscopes are another key piece of lab equipment that is needed for manufacturing EV batteries.

What  Chemicals Do I Need During the EV Battery Manufacturing Process?

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) - Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is a colorless liquid that has a sweet odor and is soluble in water. It is a highly volatile chemical and is frequently used as a commercial cleaner and solvent used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.

Acetone - Acetone is a strong cleaning solvent; one which cuts through grease, resins and other residuals that can clog machinery or molds. Acetone breaks down these residuals, making clean-up of machinery and molds quick and simple.

Xylene is a solvent for cleaning up surfaces and equipment coated with solvent based sealers. Xylene is ideal for cleaning tools, equipment, and oversprayed surfaces and is frequently used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles

What PPE is Needed During the EV Battery Manufacturing Process?

Personal protective equipment is essential during the battery manufacturing process. There are many health and safety hazards that can arise in this type of environment.

Some of the personal protective equipment that workers in the manufacturing environment should wear include the following:

Lab coats. Lab coats provide protection for your skin and clothes and should always be worn when handling hazardous material.

Bouffant caps. Bouffant caps prevent contamination and help keep your hair out of your eyes for optimum visibility at all times.

Nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves will protect hands from coming into contact with chemicals or materials that will cut or irritate the skin.

Shoe covers. Shoe covers are designed to keep an environment sterile and sanitary. Shoe covers protect from chemicals staining your shoes and from chemicals being tracked outside of the lab environment.

Eye goggles. Eye goggles will protect you from chemical splashes into your eyes. These chemicals may burn or irritate the eye if not protected. The goggles also protect your eyes from accidentally wiping your eye with your finger which may also have traces of chemicals on it.

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