System for cycling battery cells with pressure regulation

Abstract

A system for cycling battery cells with pressure regulation is disclosed. The system comprises supports for accommodating battery cells that are inserted into a clamping arrangement with jaws that are moved relative to one another by an actuator operated by a controller in order to apply a pressure in an axis for applying pressure on the cells. A pressure sensor measures the pressure applied on the cells while a cycling module connected to the cells cycles them and measures their charge and discharge level. A programmable processing unit controls the pressure and, if desired, a temperature applied on the cells in accordance with a programmed cycling mode and records data representing the pressure and other cycling measurements.

Description

[0001] BATTERY CELL CYCLING SYSTEM WITH REGULATION

[0002] DEPRESSION

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates generally to battery cell cycling equipment, and more particularly to a battery cell cycling system with pressure regulation. BACKGROUND

[0005] New batteries are constantly being developed, particularly to increase the range of electric vehicles. In addition to liquid electrolyte batteries like lithium-ion, research is also focused on all-solid-state batteries and hybrid batteries (liquid and solid electrolyte). All-solid-state batteries are increasingly considered as a viable replacement for liquid electrolyte batteries and are expected to form the next generation of batteries, especially in the electric vehicle industry and for residential and industrial energy storage. Teams working on battery chemistry need cell cycling systems, which they develop to achieve high-performance results. Furthermore, the chemistry and architecture of all-solid-state battery cells require them to be subjected to precise pressure to achieve optimal battery performance.It is therefore important to determine the pressure value to apply to the cells to obtain optimal performance. In the case of an all-solid-state battery, the optimal pressure can be significant, for example, several hundred PSI and even more than 4000 PSI, although a minimum pressure is desirable. Current pressure cycling systems are unsuitable for determining the parameters that optimize battery performance, depending on the cell chemistry used. Although current systems can regulate temperature using a heat transfer fluid device, they only allow for moderate pressure application on the cells, generally a few PSI and not exceeding approximately 100 PSI.Current systems therefore cannot apply the high pressure levels required for all-solid-state batteries, cannot apply programmable variable pressure, and cannot control the pressure application function. Furthermore, current systems are complex to adjust, cumbersome, or inflexible. In addition, current systems have temperature control circuits configured to maintain a battery's test temperature at a fixed value, for example, 27°C (80°F) for a Li-ion battery, whereas a variable temperature might be preferable depending on the battery chemistry.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, a battery cell cycling system is proposed, the system comprising: at least one support defining a housing for receiving one of the battery cells; a clamping arrangement having (i) lower and upper jaws between which said at least one support housing one of the battery cells is insertable, the jaws being movable relative to each other in a pressure application axis, and (ii) pressure application surfaces on the cell housed in each support, one of the pressure application surfaces being intended to exert pressure on an active area of ​​the cell when the jaws are in the pressure application position; an actuator operationally coupled to the clamping arrangement so as to control a clamping of the jaws according to a control signal;an operationally associated pressure sensor with the cell so as to produce an indicative signal of pressure exerted by the jaws on the cell; a cell cycling module, the cycling module having an interface connectable to the cell to load and unload the cell according to a programmed cycling mode and to measure a level of load and unload of the cell; an actuator control module producing the jaw clamping control signal according to a pressure setting signal;and a processing unit connecting to the cycling module, the actuator control module and the pressure sensor, the processing unit being configured to program the cell cycling mode and transmit it to the cycling module, program a pressure to be applied to the cell and generate the pressure setting signal according to a pressure measured by the pressure sensor so as to form a feedback loop of the pressure applied to the cell, and record data representative of the pressure applied to the cell and the cell's charge and discharge level.

[0008] Preferably, the system according to the invention can serve as a tool to determine one or more precise pressure values ​​to be applied to battery cells, as well as other possible parameters influencing their behavior and operation, such as one or more precise temperatures, to obtain optimal cell performance according to their chemistries and various operating and usage conditions tested by the system, including charge and discharge rates and current density. The system allows the cells under test to be cycled under low to high pressures and enables the development of a real-time management algorithm that can be implemented, for example, in a BMS (Battery Management System) or a VCU (Vehicle Control Unit) to control the pressure to be applied and the temperature to be maintained or varied in order to optimize battery efficiency according to various operating and usage conditions of the cells.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention will be given below with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery cycling system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective and exploded view of a device for applying pressure to cells according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pressure application device with cell supports before their positioning in the device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view from another angle of the device and cell supports illustrated in Figure 3.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective and partially exploded view of a pressure application device with cell supports during their insertion into the device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective and exploded view of part of a pressure application device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a pressure application device in which cell supports are inserted, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Figure 8 is a perspective view from another angle of the pressure application device illustrated in Figure 7.

[0018] Figure 9 is a perspective and exploded view of a cell support according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cell support according to an embodiment of the invention. Figures 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate respectively examples of battery cell cycling protocols according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FAVORITE ACHIEVEMENTS

[0021] With reference to Figure 1, a battery cell 2 cycling system is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] With reference to Figures 2 to 8, the system includes one or more supports 4 defining a slot 6 (as illustrated in Figure 9) for receiving one of the battery cells 2. For the sake of simplicity in the following description, reference will generally be made to several supports 4 and several cells 2, but it should be understood that there may be only one support 4 and one cell 2, as in the arrangement shown without a support in Figure 6.

[0023] With particular reference to Figure 2, a clamping arrangement 8 has lower and upper jaws 10, 12 between which the supports 4 housing battery cells 2 are inserted. The jaws 10, 12 are movable relative to each other along a pressure application axis as illustrated by arrow 14. The clamping arrangement 8 also has pressure application surfaces 16, 18 on the cell 2 housed in each support 4. In one embodiment, the pressure application surfaces 18 are intended to exert pressure on active areas 20 (e.g., the anode-cathode-electrolyte complex, as illustrated in Figure 9) of the cells 2 when the jaws 10, 12 are in the pressure application position. A reverse embodiment in which the surfaces 16 are intended to exert pressure on the active areas 20 is also possible.The pressure application surfaces 16, 18 can be formed by surfaces of the jaws 10, 12 and surfaces of pressure transmission plates 42 extending between two supports 4, each pressure transmission plate 42 being freely movable in the pressure application axis 14. An actuator 22 is operationally coupled to the clamping arrangement 8 so as to control a clamping of the jaws 10, 12 according to a control signal 24 (as illustrated in Figure 1).

[0024] A pressure sensor 26 is operationally associated with the cells 2 so as to produce a signal 28 (as illustrated in Figure 1) indicative of a pressure exerted by the jaws 10, 12 on the cells 2.

[0025] With further reference to Figure 1, the system according to the invention comprises a cell 2 cycling module 30, also called a battery cycler. The cycling module 30 has an interface 32 connectable to the cells 2 for charging and discharging the cells 2 according to a programmed cycling mode or test cycling protocol and for measuring the charge and discharge levels of the cells 2, for example, by measuring voltage and current relative to the cells 2. In charging mode, the cycling module 30 injects a current whose intensity depends on a desired charging rate. This intensity can be expressed in C. A value of 1C means that a cell 2 will be charged in 1 hour, a value of 2C means that the cell 2 will be charged in 30 minutes, a value of C / 2 means that the cell will be charged in 2 hours, and so on.Similarly, in discharge mode, the cycling module 30 consumes the energy stored in a cell 2 and draws a current whose intensity depends on a desired discharge rate, which can also be measured in C. A control module 34 of the actuator 22, also called the motor controller, produces the control signal 24 for clamping the jaws 10, 12 (illustrated e.g. in Figure 2) according to a pressure setting signal 36. A processing unit 38 connects to the cycling module 30, the control module 34 of the actuator 22, and the pressure sensor 26.The processing unit 38 is configured to program the cycling mode of the cells 2 and transmit it to the cycling module 30, to program a pressure to be applied to the cells 2, for example according to a level or a rate of charge and discharge or according to a number of cycles imposed on the cells 2, and to generate the pressure control signal 36 according to a pressure measured by the pressure sensor 26 so as to form a feedback loop of the pressure applied to the cells 2, and to record data representative of the pressure applied to the cells 2 and the charge and discharge levels of the cells 2. The processing unit 38 has an interface 40 to communicate with the various components of the system and with the outside, in order for example to parameterize the functions of the cycling system and to transmit the data recorded by the processing unit 38.The processing unit 38 allows the pressure applied to the cells 2 to be modulated according to, for example, two parameters managed by the cycling module 30, namely the charge / discharge level of the cells 2, measured and evaluated by the cycling module 30 as a function of the voltage level of the cells 2, and the charge rate, measured and evaluated by the cycling module 30 as a function of the current intensity transmitted between the cycling module 30 and the cells 2. According to the established test protocol, feedback on the charge / discharge level and the charge / discharge rate is sent to the processing unit 38 which coordinates commands to vary the pressure value transmitted via the actuator control module 34 to adjust the pressure value applied by the actuator 22 and the clamping arrangement 8.

[0026] With reference to Figure 11 A, an example of a pressure setpoint value forming the control signal 24 transmitted by the actuator control module 34 to the actuator 22 is illustrated, as a function of the number of cycles reached by a cell 2 and its charge / discharge level. According to one possible test protocol 104, a high and constant pressure is applied during a charging period of cell 2, while a lower and constant pressure is applied during a discharging period of cell 2. According to another possible test protocol 106, the same constant pressure is applied during the charging and discharging phases of a cell 2 for the same cycle, and then the pressure value is slightly increased from cycle to cycle, depending, for example, on a planned reduction in the useful life of cell 2. Other test protocols are, of course, possible.With reference to Figure 11 B, the processing unit 38 can coordinate the instructions related to a test protocol 108 between the actuator control module 34 and the cell cycling module 30 so as to increase the average value of the pressure applied to a cell 2 as a function of the increase in the charge / discharge rate measured by the intensity of the current flowing between the cell cycling module 30 and cell 2. By modulating the pressure, the performance of cell 2 can thus be maximized under higher stress conditions, such as current inrushes involving discharge rates of several C. This pressure modulation can also be used to prevent premature deterioration of cell 2 under extraordinary operating conditions.

[0027] With reference to Figure 11C, one of the effects of applying pressure on battery performance that the cycling system according to the invention allows to be evaluated is illustrated. For example, a test protocol 110 allows a greater number of charge and discharge cycles to be performed on a cell 2 compared to a test protocol 112 where a lower pressure value is applied to the cell, thus reducing the useful life of cell 2 more rapidly. Other effects on the performance of cell 2 can be observed by varying the pressure values ​​and, if desired, the temperature during charging and discharging, such as an permissible charge / discharge current intensity without damaging cell 2, maintenance of cell 2 capacity over cycles, cell 2 performance at low temperatures, controlled dendrite propagation, etc.

[0028] Referring again to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the clamping arrangement 8 comprises a set of guide rods 44 extending between the jaws 10, 12 in the pressure application axis 14. The guide rods 44 pass through corresponding openings 45 in each pressure transmission plate 42 such that each pressure transmission plate 42 is movable only in the pressure application axis 14. In one embodiment, the upper jaw 12 is formed by a pressure transmission plate freely movable in the pressure application axis 14, like the pressure transmission plates 42. The actuator 22 comprises a drive member 46, a piston 48 coupled to and movable by the drive member 46 in the pressure application axis 14 according to the control signal 24 (illustrated in Figure 1) transmitted to the drive member 46.The actuator 22 can be linear and implemented as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or, preferably, as an electric cylinder, which may be more precise, more compact, easier to control, and have a faster response time. The actuator 22 also includes a support structure 50 for the drive element 46 at a fixed distance from the lower jaw 10. The piston 48 has an end 52 bearing against the transmission plate forming the upper jaw 12 when the jaws 10, 12 are in the pressure application position. The support structure 50 can be in the form of a plate 54 connected to the lower jaw 10 by guide rods 44. The drive element 46 is mounted on the plate 54. The plate 54 has a central hole 56 through which the piston 48 passes to apply pressure against the transmission plate forming the upper jaw 12.

[0029] With reference to Figure 4, according to one embodiment, each pressure transmission plate 42 has an upper surface 16 defining a positioning cavity 58 in which a lower part of a support 4 is engageable.

[0030] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement 8 includes springs 60 extending between the jaws 10, 12 and each pressure transmission plate 42 such that the jaws 10, 12 and the pressure transmission plates 42 are separated from each other by a distance of at least one height of a support 4 housing a cell 2 when the jaws 10, 12 are in the released position, thus facilitating the insertion of the supports 4 into the clamping arrangement 8. Referring again to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the lower jaw 10 has an upper surface 16 defining a cavity 62 having a shape adapted to receive the pressure sensor 26 so that the pressure sensor 26 measures a pressure applied by the jaws 10, 12 on the cells 2 in the supports 4. The lower jaw can advantageously serve as or form a base for the clamping arrangement 8.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the pressure application surfaces 16, 18 are generally flat and extend perpendicularly to the pressure application axis 14.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 1, the processing unit 38 may include a processor 64 coupled to a memory 66 that stores instructions executable by the processor 64 and operating parameters of the cycling system received as input 68, for example, through the input / output interface 40. The operating parameters may include a test protocol used by the instructions executed by the processor 64, defining the pressure to be applied. If thermal regulation or control is considered, the instructions may define a target temperature for the cells 2, based, for example, on a level and a charge / discharge rate derived from the setpoints and measurements associated with the cell cycling module 30, which communicates with the processing unit 38.The test protocol can define a series of pressures to be applied and maintained for a period of time, for example, from 0 PSI to 4000 PSI or even higher if desired. The pressure setting signal 36 transmitted to the control module 34 of the actuator 22 can be regulated by the processing unit 38 to compensate for a volume variation in the cells 2 during a cycling operation. A thickness, distance, or position sensor (not shown) for the cells 2 can be operationally connected to them to produce a signal indicating their thickness or a change in their thickness during cycling. The signal can be transmitted to the processing unit, which can record data representative of the thicknesses measured by the thickness sensor.The measured thicknesses can be used for pressure regulation in the servo loop, for example, to keep the pressure applied to cells 2 constant even with variations in temperature or cell volume. Instructions executed by processor 64 may include instructions to dynamically vary the series of pressures to be applied and maintained based on cell charging and discharging cycles, power demands, the number of cycles performed, etc. These instructions may include a servo control algorithm for actuator 22 via control module 34 and based on pressure feedback measured by pressure sensor 26. The pressure to be applied may also depend on oil pressure or a similar fluid if actuator 22 is a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, or on a current if the drive unit 46 is electric.

[0033] A temperature sensor 70 can be operationally associated with the cells 2 so as to produce an indicative signal of the temperature of the cells 2. The processing unit 38 connects to the temperature sensor 70 and is configured to record data representative of the temperature of the cells 2 according to the indicative signal of the temperature of the cells 2. The pressure control signal 36 can then be adjusted according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 70. The system may include a temperature control module 96 connected to the processing unit 38 via its interface 40 to act on a heat transfer element 98 that can circulate around the cells 2 in the clamping arrangement 8 in order, for example, to maintain a uniform temperature from one cell 2 to the other, depending on a temperature signal 100 measured by the temperature sensor 70 and a temperature setpoint 102 generated by the processing unit 38.The heat transfer element 98 dynamically controls the temperature of the cells 2 by ventilating the environment of the supports 4 (illustrated, for example, in Figure 2). This can be achieved, for instance, by placing the clamping device 8, or a portion thereof containing the cells 2, in an oven (not shown), allowing cycling at different temperatures. The temperature values ​​to be applied during a cycle can be programmed in the processing unit 38 and controlled via the temperature adjustment module 96 during battery testing.The action of the heat transfer element 98 can also be achieved via a network of tubes (not shown) running through the supports 4 and in which a heat transfer fluid circulates to dynamically control the temperature of the cells 2, in relation, for example, to the instructions of the test protocol which may define pressure or temperature values ​​to be applied to the cells 2 during a period of time, depending or not on cycling parameters such as a level and a rate of charge and discharge of the cells 2 and a number of cycles imposed on the cells 2. The temperature adjustment module 96 can be implemented by a device comprising a pump, reservoirs, servovalves, a flow meter, a tube, and a microcontroller configured to respond to the temperature value instructions of the test protocol and control the elements of the device accordingly.

[0034] The test protocol can be programmed using software stored in memory 66 and executed by processor 64. This software can, for example, display a user-friendly graphical interface for entering pressure values, temperature, etc., which can vary over time depending on the charge / discharge level of a cell 2 (voltage), the charge / discharge rate (current intensity), the number of cycles the battery has undergone, the battery's remaining capacity, its thickness variation, etc. The software can also be used to transmit instructions to the actuator control module 34, the cell cycling module 30, and the temperature adjustment module 96.The control system for achieving the setpoints is achieved through the integration of feedback from the pressure sensor 26, the temperature sensor 70, and measurements taken via the cycling module 30 (voltage, current, time), by the processing unit 38 via its interface 40, which integrates this information into the software in a feedback loop. The software can generate the combination of setpoints related to test protocols, some examples of which are illustrated in Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C. Referring to Figure 9, in one embodiment, each support 4 has a pressure plate 94 extending above the active area 20 of the cell 2 and exceeding a contour 72 of the housing 6.

[0035] With reference to Figure 3, the pressure application surface 18 on the active area 20 (illustrated e.g. in Figure 9) defines a cavity 74 having a shape adapted to receive a portion of the pressure plate 94 extending beyond the contour 72 of the housing 6 (illustrated e.g. in Figure 9). For a pocket-type cell 2, the cavity 74 may have a generally flat bottom 76.

[0036] Referring again to Figure 9, the contour 72 of the housing 6 may have openings 78 through which terminals 80 of the cell 2 project for an external electrical connection to the support 4, for example with alligator clips (not shown). Other types of electrical connections may be used if desired. In one embodiment, each support 4 may also include an insulating contact plate 82 extending against a base 84 of the housing 6. The contact plate 82 may have tabs 86 projecting into the openings 78 of the contour 72 of the housing 6 and forming mechanical supports for the terminals 80 of the cell 2 mounted on the contact plate 82 in the housing 6, as better illustrated in Figure 10. The tabs 86 may also serve to electrically insulate the terminals 80 of one cell 2 from another.A spacer 88 extending above the cell 2 can be used for precise positioning of the elements in the support 4 and for uniformly distributing pressure on the active area 20 of the cell 2. The spacer 88 may have a central portion 90, generally flat and congruent with the active area 20 of the cell 2. The spacer may be made of a flexible material such as nylon, Teflon, or plastic, so as to adapt to surface imperfections of the cell 2. Arms 92 projecting from the periphery of the central portion 90 bear against the inner faces of the contour 72 of the housing 6, thus defining the positioning of the central portion 90 on the active area 20 of the cell 2. The pressure plate 94 extends against the central portion 90 of the spacer 88 and is in contact with the pressure application surface 18 (illustrated e.g.(in Figure 3) on the active area 20 of cell 2 of the clamping arrangement 8 when the jaws 10, 12 are in the pressure application position. A support construction 4 as described above ensures uniform pressure application on all surfaces of cell 2, and precise positioning of cells 2 and supports 4 in the clamping device 8. Depending on the cycling mode and the pressure applied to cell 2, an elastic element, for example a spring arrangement 95 as in the illustrated case, introducing mechanical elasticity in the pressure application axis, can be inserted between the pressure application surface 18 (as illustrated in Figure 2) and the pressure plate 94, or between the contact plate 82 and the bottom 84 of the housing 6, or between the housing 6 and the pressure application surface 16.The elastic element can take another form if desired, for example, an elastomer element or a rubber disc. Such an elastic element provides clearance in the vertical movement of the parts between the jaws 10, 12 (illustrated in Figure 2) when a force is applied by the actuator 22 (illustrated in Figure 2). Such clearance in the force transmission chain can be useful for absorbing and allowing a certain variation in the thickness of a cell 2 during cycling without requiring intervention at the actuator 22, and preventing the cell 2 from being damaged in such a case.

[0037] With further reference to Figure 1, the system according to the invention thus makes it possible to test the response of a battery to a programmed cycling mode and various precise and regulated pressure values ​​and, where applicable, temperature values ​​applied to the battery cells 2, representing possible operating and usage conditions, in order to determine one or more pressures to be applied to the battery cells 2 and other possible physical parameters such as one or more temperatures to obtain optimal battery performance according to its chemistry, architecture, and operating and usage conditions. The system makes it possible to apply a range of diverse and significant pressures, for example, from 0 to 4000 PSI or more, to cells 2 having, for example, an active area 20 (illustrated in Figure 9) of 50 mm x 50 mm.The system, with its processing unit 38 and other components, forms a controlled and programmable unit capable of maintaining constant pressure and, if necessary, temperature despite volume variations in the cells 2 during charging and discharging, which can represent approximately 25% volume variation. It also allows for real-time, non-human-intervention adjustment of the pressure or temperature applied to the cells 2 according to a test protocol programmed into the processing unit 38. The system enables the evaluation of the effect of pressure, and preferably also temperature, on the performance and resulting behavior of the cells 2 for different chemical compositions. It allows for the simultaneous cycling of several cells 2 at different pressure values ​​and at different temperature values ​​when used in ovens or equipped with other temperature control methods.The system thus makes it possible to determine the effect of real-time pressure adjustment, and preferably also temperature adjustment, on the performance of cell 2 under different battery operating conditions (charging, discharging, power demand, conditions conducive to dendrite formation, use in extreme climatic conditions, number of cycles experienced by the cell 2, etc.). Knowledge of the optimal operating parameters of cell 2 in a battery with a specific chemistry allows for the development of battery-specific control algorithms.

[0038] Referring again to Figure 2, to ensure uniform pressure distribution, the cells 2 are arranged in the supports 4 (as illustrated in Figure 9) so as to position them precisely under the piston 48 applying the force. One or more cells 2 can be tested / cycled simultaneously in the system, where the supports 4 are arranged in series. Cells 2 of varying thicknesses can be cycled without modifying the system. The system accommodates different cell 2 geometries by adapting the dimensions of the various components. Several clamping devices 8 can be used simultaneously to perform tests at various pressures and temperatures. The system allows for quick mounting of the cells 2 to be tested.Although some realizations of the invention have been illustrated in the attached drawings and described above, it will be evident to those versed in the art that modifications and additions can be made to these realizations without departing from the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A battery cell cycling system, the system comprising: at least one holder defining a housing for receiving one of the battery cells; a clamping arrangement having (i) lower and upper jaws between which said at least one holder housing one of the battery cells is insertable, the jaws being movable relative to each other in a pressure application axis, and (ii) pressure application surfaces on the cell housed in each holder, one of the pressure application surfaces being intended to exert pressure on an active area of ​​the cell when the jaws are in the pressure application position; an actuator operationally coupled to the clamping arrangement so as to control clamping of the jaws according to a control signal; a pressure sensor operationally associated with the cell so as to produce an indicative signal of pressure exerted by the jaws on the cell;a cell cycling module, the cycling module having an interface connectable to the cell to load and unload the cell according to a programmed cycling mode and measure a level of load and unload of the cell; an actuator control module producing the jaw tightening control signal according to a pressure setting signal;and a processing unit connecting to the cycling module, the actuator control module and the pressure sensor, the processing unit being configured to program the cell cycling mode and transmit it to the cycling module, program a pressure to be applied to the cell and generate the pressure setting signal according to a pressure measured by the pressure sensor so as to form a feedback loop of the pressure applied to the cell, and record data representative of the pressure applied to the cell and the cell's charge and discharge level.

2. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein: said at least one support comprises several supports for receiving as many of said battery cells; and the pressure application surfaces being formed by surfaces of the jaws and surfaces of a pressure transmission plate extending between two of said supports, each pressure transmission plate being freely movable in the pressure application axis.

3. The cycling system according to claim 2, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises a set of guide rods extending between the jaws in the axis of pressure application, the guide rods passing through corresponding openings in each pressure transmission plate so that each pressure transmission plate is movable only in the axis of pressure application.

4. The cycling system according to claim 2, wherein each pressure transmission plate has an upper surface defining a positioning cavity in which a lower part of one of said supports is engageable.

5. The cycling system according to claim 2, wherein the clamping arrangement comprises springs extending between the jaws and each pressure transmission plate such that the jaws and each pressure transmission plate are separated from each other by a distance of at least one height of a support housing a cell when the jaws are in the released position.

6. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein the lower jaw has an upper surface defining a cavity having a shape adapted to receive the pressure sensor so that the pressure sensor measures a pressure applied by the jaws on the cell in said at least one support.

7. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein the lower jaw forms a base for the clamping arrangement.

8. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein the upper jaw is formed by a pressure transmission plate freely movable in the pressure application axis, and the actuator comprises a drive member, a piston coupled to and movable by the drive member in the pressure application axis according to the control signal transmitted to the drive member, and a support structure for the drive member at a fixed distance from the lower jaw, the piston having one end bearing against the transmission plate forming the upper jaw when the jaws are in said pressure application position.

9. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure application surfaces are substantially flat and extend perpendicularly to the pressure application axis.

10. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit comprises a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor and operating parameters of the cycling system received as input, the operating parameters comprising a test protocol used by the instructions executed by the processor and defining the pressure to be applied.

11. The cycling system according to claim 10, wherein the test protocol defines a series of pressures to be applied and maintained for a period of time, the pressure setting signal transmitted to the actuator control module being regulated by the processing unit in compensation to a variation in cell volume during an execution of the cycling mode.

12. The cycling system according to claim 11, wherein the instructions include instructions for dynamically varying the series pressures to be applied and maintained according to cycles or a charge and discharge rate of the cell.

13. The cycling system according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor operationally associated with the cell so as to produce an indicative signal of a cell temperature, the processing unit connecting to the temperature sensor and being configured to record data representative of the cell temperature according to the indicative signal of the cell temperature, the pressure setting signal being adjusted according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

14. The cycling system according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor operationally associated with the cell so as to produce an indicative signal of a cell temperature, and a temperature adjustment module acting on a heat transfer element circulating around the cell as a function of the indicative signal of a temperature produced by the temperature sensor and a temperature setpoint generated by the processing unit.

15. The cycling system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one support comprises a pressure plate extending over the active area of ​​the cell and exceeding a contour of the housing, and the pressure application surface on the active area defines a cavity having a shape adapted to receive a portion of the pressure plate exceeding the contour of the housing.

16. The cycling system according to claim 15, wherein the cavity has a substantially flat bottom.

17. The cycling system according to claim 15, wherein said at least one support further comprises: an insulating contact plate extending against a bottom of the housing, the contact plate having tabs projecting into openings in the contour of the housing and forming mechanical supports for terminals of the cell mounted on the contact plate in the housing which project through the openings; and a spacer extending above the cell, the spacer having a substantially flat central portion concordant with the active area of ​​the cell, and arms projecting out of the periphery of the central portion and bearing against the contour of the housing so as to define a positioning of the central portion on the active area of ​​the cell, the pressure plate extending against the central portion of the spacer, the pressure plate being in contact with the pressure application surface on the active area of ​​the cell of the clamping arrangement when the jaws are in the pressure application position.

18. The cycling system according to claim 1, in which the housing has a contour having openings through which terminals of the cell project for an external connection to the support.

19. The cycling system according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic element inserted between the pressure application surfaces so as to introduce mechanical elasticity in the pressure application axis.

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