System for cycle testing battery cells with pressure regulation

Abstract

A system for cycling battery cells with pressure regulation is disclosed. The system includes a support for receiving a battery cell for insertion into a clamping arrangement having jaws that move relative to one another by an actuator operated by a controller to apply axial pressure to the cell. A pressure sensor measures the pressure applied to the cell, while a cycling module connected to the cell cycles the cells and measures their charge and discharge levels. A programmable processing unit controls the pressure and, if necessary, temperature applied to the cell according to a programmed cycling mode and records data representing the pressure and other cycling measurements.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a battery cell. Cycle test In particular, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a battery cell with pressure regulation. Cycle test This relates to a system for [Background technology]

[0002] New batteries are constantly being developed, especially to increase the range of electric vehicles. In addition to batteries with liquid electrolytes such as lithium-ion, research is also focusing on solid-state batteries and hybrid (liquid and solid electrolyte) batteries. Solid-state batteries are increasingly considered to advantageously replace liquid electrolyte batteries, especially in the electric vehicle industry and residential and industrial energy storage, and to form the next generation of batteries. Teams working on battery chemistry are developing cells to arrive at efficient products. Cycle test This requires a system for controlling the pressure applied to the cell. In particular, the chemistry and architecture of solid-state battery cells involve subjecting the cell to precise pressures to obtain optimal battery performance. Therefore, it is important to determine the pressure value to be applied to the cell to obtain optimal performance. For solid-state batteries, the optimal pressure may be significantly greater (e.g., several hundred PSI, or even 4000 PSI) than the minimum pressure desired.

[0003] Under pressure cycleCurrent systems for testing batteries are inadequate for determining parameters that optimize battery performance, depending on the battery chemistry used. While current systems can regulate temperature by using devices with heat transfer liquids, they only allow for the application of moderate pressures to the cells, typically a few PSI (but no more than about 100 PSI). Therefore, current systems do not allow for the application of significant levels of pressure required for solid-state batteries, do not allow for the application of programmable variable pressures, and do not allow for controlled pressure application functions. Current systems are also complex to regulate, heavy, or offer little flexibility. Furthermore, current systems have temperature regulation circuits configured to maintain the battery test temperature at a fixed value (e.g., 27°C (80°F) for lithium-ion batteries), but variable temperatures may be preferable depending on the battery chemistry. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell Cycle test A system for performing the above-described operations is provided. at least one support defining a housing for receiving one of the battery cells; a clamping arrangement having (i) a lower jaw and an upper jaw movable relative to each other in a pressure application axis direction, between which the at least one support housing one of the battery cells is insertable, and (ii) pressure application surfaces for applying pressure to a cell housed in each support, one of which is intended to exert pressure against an active area of ​​the cell when the jaw is in the pressure application position; an actuator operably coupled to the clamping arrangement for controlling clamping of the jaws in accordance with the control signal; a pressure sensor operatively associated with the cell for generating a signal indicative of pressure exerted on the cell by the jaws; Cell Cycle test for cycle A module that is programmed cyclehaving an interface connectable to the cell for charging and discharging the cell according to a mode, and measuring the charge and discharge levels of the cell; cycle Module; a control module for generating a control signal to control the actuator and to control the clamping of the jaws in accordance with the pressure setting signal; and cycle a processing unit connected to the module, the actuator control module, and the pressure sensor; cycle This allows you to program the mode and cycle Mode cycle a processing unit configured to transmit to the module, to program the pressure applied to the cell to form a feedback loop of the pressure applied to the cell, to generate a pressure set signal according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and to record data representative of the pressure applied to the cell and the level of charge and discharge of the cell.

[0005] Advantageously, the system according to the invention can be used as a tool to determine one or several precise values ​​of pressure to be applied to the battery cells and other possible parameters such as one or several precise temperatures that affect their behavior and operation in order to obtain optimal performance of the cells according to their chemistry and various conditions of operation and use (including the rate of charge / discharge and the density of the current passed) tested by the system. The system can be used to manage the cells, for example in a BMS (Battery Management System) or VCU (Vehicle Control Unit), in order to control the pressure to be applied and the temperature to be maintained and changed in order to optimize the performance of the battery according to various conditions of operation and use of the cells. Cycle Test This allows for testing under low to high pressures and the development of implementable real-time control algorithms.

[0006] A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a battery cycling system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a pressure application device for applying pressure to a cell in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure application device with cell supports prior to their positioning within a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device and cell support shown in FIG. 3 from another angle. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially exploded view of a pressure application device with cell supports during their insertion into a device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a portion of a pressure application device according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pressure application device with a cell support inserted therein according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pressure application device shown in FIG. 7 from another angle. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective and exploded view of a cell support according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cell support according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figures 11A-11C] 10A-10C each illustrate an example of a cycle protocol for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention is Cycle test A system for this is presented.

[0009] 2-8, the system includes one or more supports 4 that define a housing 6 (as shown in FIG. 9) for housing one of the battery cells 2. To simplify the following discussion, reference will generally be made to several supports 4 and several cells 2, although it should be understood that there may be only one support 4 and only one cell 2, such as the arrangement shown without supports in FIG.

[0010] Referring specifically to FIG. 2 , the clamping arrangement 8 has lower and upper jaws 10, 12 between which a support 4 housing a battery cell 2 can be inserted. The jaws 10, 12 are movable relative to one another in the direction of a pressure application axis depicted by arrow 14. The clamping arrangement 8 also has pressure application surfaces 16, 18 for applying pressure to the cell 2 housed in each support 4. According to one embodiment, the pressure application surfaces 18 are intended to apply pressure onto the active area 20 of the cell 2 (e.g., the anode-cathode electrolyte composite as shown in FIG. 9 ) when the jaws 10, 12 are in the pressure application position. An inverse embodiment is also possible, in which the surface 16 is intended to apply pressure to the active area 20. The pressure application surfaces 16, 18 can be formed by the surfaces of the jaws 10, 12 and by the surfaces of pressure transmission plates 42 extending between the two supports 4, each of which is freely movable in the direction of the pressure application axis 14.

[0011] An actuator 22 is operably coupled to the clamping arrangement 8 (as shown in FIG. 1) to control the clamping of the jaws 10, 12 in accordance with a control signal 24.

[0012] A pressure sensor 26 is operatively associated with the cell 2 for generating a signal 28 (as shown in FIG. 1) indicative of the pressure exerted by the jaws 10 , 12 on the cell 2 .

[0013] Referring back to FIG. 1, the system according to the present invention includes a cell 2 Cycle test for cycle Module 30 (battery cycle machine (also called vessel). cycleModule 30 is a programmed test cycle Mode or cycle It has an interface 32 connectable to cell 2 for charging and discharging cell 2 according to a protocol and for measuring the level of charge and discharge of cell 2, for example by measuring voltage and current across cell 2. In charging mode: cycle Module 30 injects a current whose magnitude depends on the desired charging rate. This magnitude can be qualified by C. A value of 1C means that cell 2 is charged in 1 hour, a value of 2C means that cell 2 is charged in 30 minutes, a value of C / 2 means that cell 2 is charged in 2 hours, etc. Similarly, in discharge mode, cycle The module 30 consumes the energy stored in the cell 2 and extracts from it a current having an intensity that depends on the desired discharge rate, which may also be measured in C. A control module 34 for controlling the actuator 22, also called a motor controller, generates a control signal 24 that controls the clamping of the jaws 10, 12 (shown for example in FIG. 2) according to a pressure setting signal 36. A processing unit 38 cycle The processing unit 38 is connected to the module 30, to the control module 34 of the actuator 22, and to the pressure sensor 26. The processing unit 38 calculates the current flow rate of the cell 2, for example depending on the level or rate of charge and discharge or depending on the number of cycles imposed on the cell 2. cycle Program the mode and then cycle The processing unit 38 is configured to transmit to the module 30, to program the pressure applied to the cell 2, to generate a pressure setting signal 36 according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 26 to form a feedback loop for the pressure applied to the cell 2, and to record data representative of the pressure applied to the cell 2 and the level of charge and discharge of the cell 2. cycle It has an interface 40 for communicating with the various components of the system and with the outside world in order to set the parameters of the system's functions and to transmit the data recorded by the processing unit 38. The processing unit 38 may be, for example, cycleDepending on the voltage level of cell 2, two parameters are managed by module 30: cycle the charge / discharge level of cell 2 measured and evaluated by module 30, and cycle Depending on the strength of the current passed between the module 30 and the cell 2 cycle This allows the pressure applied to the cell 2 to be modulated depending on the charge / discharge level and the charge / discharge rate measured and evaluated by the control module 30. Depending on the established test protocol, feedback regarding the charge / discharge level and the charge / discharge rate is sent to a processing unit 38 which coordinates pressure value variation instructions sent via the control module 34 of the actuator 22 in order to adjust the value of the pressure applied by the actuator 22 and the clamping arrangement 8.

[0014] 11A, an example of pressure value commands forming the control signal 24 sent by the control module 34 to the actuator 22 depending on the number of cycles reached by the cell 2 and the value of its charge / discharge level is shown. According to a possible test protocol 104, a high and constant pressure is applied during the charging period of the cell 2, while a low and constant pressure is applied during the discharging period of the cell 2. According to another possible test protocol 106, the same constant pressure is applied during the charging and discharging phases of the cell 2 for the same cycles, and then the pressure value is increased slightly from cycle to cycle, for example depending on the expected decrease in the useful life of the cell 2. Other test protocols are of course possible.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 11B, processing unit 38: cycle The control module 34 of the actuator 22 sends instructions relating to the test protocol 108 to increase the average value of the pressure applied to the cell 2 in response to an increase in the value of the charge / discharge rate measured by the strength of the current passed between the module 30 and the cell 2. cycle The pressure can be coordinated between the cell 2 and the module 30. Thus, by modulating the pressure, the performance of the cell 2 can be maximized under conditions of greater response, such as the current demands involved in discharge rates of several C. This pressure modulation can also be used to prevent premature degradation of the cell 2 during extreme operating conditions.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 11C, cycle One of the effects of applying pressure on the performance of a battery that the system allows to evaluate is shown. For example, test protocol 110 allows cell 2 to undergo a greater number of charge / discharge cycles than test protocol 112, in which a lower value of pressure is applied to cell 2, thereby quickly reducing the useful life of cell 2. The strength of the charge / discharge current without damaging cell 2, cycle Other effects on the performance of cell 2, such as the maintenance of cell 2 capacity during charging and discharging, the performance of cell 2 at low temperatures, and the propagation of included dendrites, can be observed by varying the pressure and, if necessary, the temperature during charging and discharging.

[0017] 2, according to one embodiment, the clamping arrangement 8 includes a pair of guide rods 44 extending between the jaws 10, 12 in the direction of 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 direction of the pressure application axis 14.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the upper jaw 12 is formed by a pressure-transmitting plate, such as the pressure-transmitting plate 42, freely movable along the pressure-applying axis 14. The actuator 22 includes a motor unit 46 and a piston 48 coupled to the motor unit 46 and movable along the pressure-applying axis 14 according to a control signal 24 (shown in FIG. 1) sent to the motor unit 46. The actuator 22 is of a linear type and may be embodied by a hydraulic or pneumatic jack, or preferably by an electric jack, which may be more precise, compact, easier to control, and have a faster response time. The actuator 22 also includes a support structure 50 for supporting the motor unit 46 at a fixed distance from the lower jaw 10. The piston 48 has an end 52 that exerts pressure against the pressure-transmitting plate that forms the upper jaw 12 when the jaws 10, 12 are in the pressure-applying position. The support structure 50 may take the form of a plate 54 connected to the lower jaw 10 by a guide rod 44. The motor unit 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 pressure transfer plate forming the upper jaw 12 .

[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, each pressure transfer plate 42 has an upper surface 16 that defines a positioning cavity 58 into which the lower part of the support 4 can fit.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the clamping arrangement 8 includes a spring 60 extending between the jaws 10, 12 and each pressure transmission plate 42 so that when the jaws 10, 12 are in the released position, the jaws 10, 12 and the pressure transmission plate 42 are spaced apart from each other by a distance of at least the height of one support 4 containing a cell 2, thereby facilitating insertion of the support 4 into the clamping arrangement 8.

[0021] 2, according to one embodiment, the lower jaw 10 has an upper surface 16 defining a cavity 62 shaped to accommodate a pressure sensor 26 such that the pressure sensor 26 measures the pressure applied by the jaws 10, 12 to the cells 2 in the support 4. The lower jaw 10 may advantageously serve as or form the base of the clamping arrangement 8.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the pressure application surfaces 16 , 18 are generally flat and extend perpendicular to the pressure application axis 14 .

[0023] Referring back to FIG. 1, the processing unit 38 receives instructions executable by the processor 64 and inputs 68 received, for example, via the input / output interface 40. cycle The processor 64 may include a memory 66 that stores the operating parameters of the system. The operating parameters may include a test protocol used by the processor 64 and instructions that define the pressure to be applied. If thermal regulation or control is considered, the instructions may include, for example, instructions and a memory 66 that stores the operating parameters of the system. cycle The test protocol may define a range of pressures (e.g., from 0 PSI to 4000 PSI or even higher, as desired) to be applied and maintained for a period of time. The pressure setting signal 36 sent to the control module 34 of the actuator 22 may be: cycle The cell 2 thickness, distance or position sensor (not shown) may be regulated by the processing unit 38 to compensate for variations in the volume of the cell 2 during execution of the mode. cycleThe thickness sensor 26 may be operatively associated with the cells 2 to generate a signal indicative of their thickness or thickness variations during operation. This signal may be transmitted to a processing unit 38, which may record data representative of the thickness measured by the thickness sensor. The measured thickness may be used to regulate the pressure in a feedback loop, for example, so that the pressure applied to the cells 2 remains fixed even in the presence of variations in the temperature or volume of the cells 2. The instructions executed by the processor 64 may include instructions for dynamically changing the sequence of pressures applied and maintained depending on the charge and discharge cycles of the cells 2, power requirements, number of cycles achieved, etc. The instructions may include a regulatory control algorithm for the actuators 22 via the control module 34 with feedback of the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 26. The applied pressure may also depend on oil or fluid pressure if the actuator 22 is a hydraulic or pneumatic jack, or on current if the motor unit 46 is electrical.

[0024] The temperature sensor 70 may be operatively associated with the cell 2 for generating a signal indicative of the temperature of the cell 2. The processing unit 38 is connected to the temperature sensor 70. The processing unit 38 is configured to record data representing the temperature of the cell 2 according to the signal indicative of the temperature of the cell 2. The pressure set point signal 36 may then be adjusted according to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 70. The system may include a temperature regulation module 96 connected to the processing unit 38 via its interface 40 for acting on a heat exchange element 98 capable of flowing about the cells 2 within the clamping arrangement 8 to, for example, maintain a uniform temperature from one cell 2 to another in response to a temperature signal 100 measured by the temperature sensor 70 and a temperature set point 102 generated by the processing unit 38. The action of the heat exchange element 98 to dynamically control the temperature of the cells 2 may take the form of venting the environment of the support 4 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ) (e.g., at various temperatures). Cycle Test by placing the clamping arrangement 8 or part thereof including the cell 2 in a heating chamber (not shown) which allows cycleThe value of the temperature applied thereto can be programmed in the processing unit 38 and controlled during testing on the battery via the temperature regulation module 96. The action of the heat exchange element 98 can also be carried out via a network of pipes (not shown) passing through the support 4, in which the temperature of the cells 2 can be adjusted according to various factors such as the level and rate of charge and discharge of the cells 2 and the number of cycles to which they are subjected. cycle The values ​​of pressure or temperature applied to cell 2 over a period of time may be defined in response to or independent of parameters, for example, the flow of heat exchange fluid for control in a dynamic manner in relation to the dictates of a test protocol. The temperature regulation module 96 may be embodied by a device including pumps, tanks, servo valves, flow meters, piping, and a microcontroller configured to respond to the temperature value setpoints of the test protocol and to control the elements of the device accordingly.

[0025] The programming of the test protocol may be achieved through software stored in memory 66 and executed by processor 64 to display a user-friendly graphic user interface that allows input of, for example, values ​​of applied pressure, values ​​of temperature, etc., which may change over time depending on the charge / discharge level (voltage) of cell 2, the rate of charge / discharge (current strength), the number of cycles experienced by the battery, the remaining capacity of the battery, thickness variations, etc. The set points are sent to control module 34 of actuator 22, and the set points of cell 2. cycle Software can be used to transmit the setpoint to the temperature control module 96 and to the pressure sensor 26, the temperature sensor 70, and the input voltage to the processing unit 38 via its interface 40 which is incorporated into a feedback loop to the software. cycle This is achieved through integration with measurements (voltage, current, time) made via module 30. The software can be the source of synthesis of set points related to test protocols, some examples of which are shown in Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 9, according to one embodiment, each support 4 includes a pressure plate 94 that extends over the active area 20 of the cell 2 and over the contour 72 of the housing 6 .

[0027] 3, the pressure application surface 18 (shown, for example, in FIG. 9) on the active area 20 defines a cavity 74 having a shape adapted to accommodate a portion of the pressure plate 94 that extends beyond the contour 72 (shown, for example, in FIG. 9) of the housing 6. For a pouch-type cell 2, the cavity 74 may have a generally flat bottom 76.

[0028] Referring back to FIG. 9 , the outline 72 of the housing 6 may have openings 78 through which the terminals 80 of the cells 2 protrude for electrical connection outside the support 4, for example with alligator clips (not shown). Other types of electrical connection may be used as needed. According to one embodiment, each support 4 also includes an insulating contact plate 82 extending relative to the bottom 84 of the housing 6. The contact plate 82 may have tabs 86 protruding in the openings 78 of the outline 72 of the housing 6, as better shown in FIG. 10 , that provide mechanical support for the terminals 80 of the cells 2 mounted on the contact plate 82 within the housing 6. The tabs 86 may also be used to electrically insulate the terminals 80 of the cells 2 from each other. A spacer 88 extending above the cell 2 may be used for precise positioning of elements within the support 4 and to equalize pressure against the active area 20 of the cell 2. The spacer 88 may be generally flat and have a center 90 that matches the active area 20 of the cell 2. The spacer 88 may be made of a flexible material such as nylon, Teflon, plastic, etc. to accommodate surface imperfections of the cell 2. Arms 92 protruding from the periphery of the central portion 90 rest against the inner surface of the contour 72 of the housing 6 to define the positioning of the central portion 90 on the active area 20 of the cell 2. A pressure plate 94 extends relative to the central portion 90 of the spacer 88 and contacts a pressure application surface 18 (shown, for example, in FIG. 3) that applies pressure to the clamping arrangement 8 on the active area 20 of the cell 2 when the jaws 10, 12 are in the pressure application position. The structure of the support 4 described above ensures uniform pressure application to the entire surface of the cell 2 and precise positioning of the cell 2 and support 4 within the clamping arrangement 8. cycleDepending on the mode and the pressure applied to the cell 2, a resilient arrangement (for example the arrangement of the spring 95 in the case shown) introducing mechanical resilience in the direction of the pressure application axis can be inserted between the pressure application surface 18 (shown in FIG. 2) and the pressure plate 94, or between the contact plate 82 and the bottom 84 of the housing 6, or even between the housing 6 and the pressure application surface 18. The resilient arrangement can take another form (for example an elastic element or a rubber disk) if necessary. Such a resilient arrangement provides play for the vertical displacement of the parts included between the jaws 10, 12 (shown in FIG. 2) when a force is applied by the actuator 22 (shown in FIG. 2). Such play in the force transmission chain can be achieved without the need for an intervention at the level of the actuator 22. cycle It may be beneficial to absorb and tolerate some variations in the thickness of the cells 2 therein and prevent damaging the cells 2 in such cases.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 1, the system according to the present invention therefore comprises a programmed cycleThe system allows testing the battery's response to various modes; various precise and regulated values ​​of pressure; and, if applicable, temperatures applied to the battery's cells 2 representative of possible conditions of operation and use to determine one or more pressures and one or more other possible physical parameters, such as temperature, applied to the battery's cells 2 to obtain optimal performance of the battery depending on its chemistry, its architecture, and its conditions of operation and use. The system allows for the application of various significant pressures over a range (e.g., 0-4000 PSI or more) to cells 2 having, for example, an active area 20 (shown in FIG. 9 ) of 50 mm×50 mm. The system, with its processing unit 38 and other components, forms a controlled and programmable assembly that allows maintaining constant pressure and, if applicable, temperature despite cell volume variations (which may represent approximately 25% of the volume variation) during the charge and discharge phases, and changing the pressure or temperature applied to cells 2 in real time and without human intervention, according to a test protocol programmed in the processing unit 38. The system makes it possible to evaluate the effect of pressure, and preferably also the effect of temperature, on the performance of cells 2 and their resulting behavior for various chemistries used. Cycle test simultaneously at various pressure values, and at various temperatures if a heating chamber or other temperature regulation means is used. This allows the system to determine the effect of real-time regulation of pressure, and preferably also temperature, on the performance of cell 2 under various conditions of use of the battery (charge, discharge, power demand, conditions vulnerable to dendrite formation, use in extreme climate conditions, number of cycles experienced by cell 2). Knowledge of the optimum operating parameters of cell 2 for a battery with a particular chemistry allows for the coding of a battery-specific control algorithm.

[0030] 2, to allow for an even distribution of pressure, the cells 2 are arranged in the support 4 (for example according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 9) to precisely position them under the piston 48 that applies the force. One or several cells 2 can be tested / tested simultaneously in a system in which the supports 4 are arranged in series. Cycle Test Cells 2 of various thicknesses can be fabricated without modification to the system. Cycle Test The system works for various geometries of cells 2 by adapting the dimensions of the various components. Several clamping arrangements 8 can be used simultaneously to carry out tests at various pressures and at various temperatures. The system allows for rapid mounting of the cells 2 to be tested.

[0031] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and additions can be made to these embodiments without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. A system for cycle testing one or more battery cells, the battery cells having a pair of oppositely facing surfaces in an active area of ​​the battery cell that charges and discharges the battery cell, the system comprising: at least one support, the support including a housing that houses one of the battery cells on the inside of a plane facing one of the pair of surfaces of the battery cell and a side perpendicular to the plane; (i) a lower jaw and an upper jaw, each having a surface facing the support, between which the at least one support for accommodating the battery cell can be inserted and which are movable relative to each other in a pressure application axis direction; and (ii) a clamping portion having a pressure application surface for applying pressure to the active area of ​​the battery cell accommodated in the at least one support, one of the pressure application surfaces intended to apply pressure in the pressure application axis direction against the other surface of the pair of surfaces of the battery cell by application of pressure by the lower jaw and the upper jaw when the lower jaw and the upper jaw are in a pressure application position; an actuator operably coupled to the clamping portion for controlling clamping of the mandible and the maxilla in accordance with a control signal; a pressure sensor operatively associated with the battery cell for generating a signal indicative of pressure exerted by the mandible and the upper jaw on the battery cell; a cycle module for cycle testing the battery cells, the cycle module having an interface connectable to the battery cells for charging and discharging the battery cells according to a programmed cycle mode and for measuring any parameter indicative of performance of the battery cells; a control module for generating control signals to control the actuators and to control the clamping of the mandible and the maxilla in accordance with a pressure setting signal; and a processing unit connected to the cycle module, the control module of the actuator, and the pressure sensor, the processing unit being configured to: (i) program the cycle mode of the battery cell and send the cycle mode to the cycle module; (ii) program changes to the pressure applied to the active area of ​​the battery cell; (iii) generate the pressure setting signal that provides feedback for the programmed pressure to be applied to the active area of ​​the battery cell based on the pressure applied to the active area of ​​the battery cell by the pressure application surface measured by the pressure sensor; and (iv) record data representative of the pressure applied to the active area of ​​the battery cell and parameters indicative of the performance of the battery cell; The pressure application surface is formed by the surfaces of the lower jaw and the upper jaw facing the support when there is one support, and by the surfaces of the lower jaw and the upper jaw facing the support and a surface of a pressure transmission plate extending between the two supports when there are multiple supports.

2. The system includes a plurality of the supports, each of the supports housing one of the battery cells; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure application surface is formed by the surfaces of the lower jaw and the upper jaw facing the support and the surface of the pressure transmission plate extending between the two supports, and each pressure transmission plate is freely movable in the pressure application axis direction.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the clamping portion includes a pair of guide rods extending between the lower jaw and the upper jaw in the pressure application axis direction, the guide rods passing through corresponding openings in each pressure transmission plate such that each pressure transmission plate is movable only in the pressure application axis direction.

4. The system of claim 2 , wherein each pressure transfer plate has an upper surface defining a positioning cavity into which a lower portion of the support can fit.

5. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the clamping portion includes a spring extending between the lower jaw and the upper jaw and each pressure transmission plate so that the lower jaw and the upper jaw and each pressure transmission plate are separated from each other by a distance of at least the height of one support that accommodates the battery cell when the lower jaw and the upper jaw are in a released position.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower jaw has an upper surface defining a cavity shaped to accommodate the pressure sensor such that the pressure sensor measures pressure applied by the lower jaw and the upper jaw to the active area of ​​the battery cell in the at least one support.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw forms a base for the clamping portion.

8. the upper jaw is formed by a pressure transmission plate that is freely movable in the pressure application axis direction, the actuator includes a motor unit, a piston coupled to the motor unit and movable along the pressure application axis in accordance with the control signal sent to the motor unit, and a support structure for supporting the motor unit at a fixed distance from the mandible; The system of claim 1 , wherein the piston has an end that applies pressure against the pressure transfer plate that forms the upper jaw when the lower jaw and the upper jaw are in the pressure applying position.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the pressure application surface is substantially flat and extends perpendicular to the pressure application axis.

10. the processing unit includes a processor coupled to a memory; the memory stores instructions executable by the processor and operating parameters of the system input into the memory; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the operating parameters include a test protocol that defines a pressure to be applied to the active area of ​​the battery cell, the test protocol being used by the instructions executed by the processor.

11. the test protocol defines a series of pressures to be applied and maintained for a period of time to the active area of ​​the battery cell; 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the pressure setting signal sent to the control module of the actuator is adjusted by the processing unit to maintain a constant pressure applied to the active area of ​​the battery cell in response to volumetric fluctuations of the battery cell during execution of the cycle mode.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the instructions include instructions to dynamically vary the set of pressures applied and maintained to the active area of ​​the battery cell based on a number of charge and discharge cycles of the battery cell or a rate of charge and discharge of the battery cell.

13. The system described in claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor operably associated with the battery cell to generate a signal indicative of the temperature of the battery cell, and a temperature control module acting on a heat exchange element that is fluidic around the battery cell in response to the signal indicative of the temperature generated by the temperature sensor and a temperature set point generated by the processing unit.

14. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one support includes a pressure plate extending over the active area of ​​the battery cell, the pressure application surface on the active area defining a cavity shaped to accommodate a portion of the pressure plate.

15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the cavity has a substantially flat bottom.

16. The at least one support further comprises: an insulating contact plate extending relative to the bottom of the housing, the insulating contact plate having tabs projecting outward from the housing in a direction perpendicular to the pressure application axis, the tabs providing mechanical support for terminals of the battery cells mounted on the insulating contact plate within the housing; and 15. The system of claim 14, including a spacer extending over the battery cell, the spacer having a substantially flat central portion that aligns with the active area of ​​the battery cell and arms that protrude around the periphery of the central portion and abut against the side surfaces of the housing to define the positioning of the central portion on the active area of ​​the battery cell, the pressure plate extending over the central portion of the spacer, the pressure plate contacting the pressure application surface of the clamping portion on the active area of ​​the battery cell when the lower jaw and the upper jaw are in the pressure application position.

17. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the housing has terminals of the battery cells protruding to the outside of the housing in a direction perpendicular to the pressure application axis direction for connection to the outside of the support.

18. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a resilient element interposed between the pressure application surfaces to introduce mechanical resilience in the pressure application axis direction.

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