Lithium Battery Definitions in UN Manual of Tests and Criteria

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Lithium Battery Definitionsin UN Manual of Tests
and Criteria

• George A. Kerchner
• PRBA The Rechargeable Battery Association
• 1776 K Street, NW
• Washington, DC 20006
• 202.719.4109
• gkerchner_at_wileyrein.com

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Definitions

• Background
• Module frequently used by industry referenced
  in NOTE under Battery definition in UN Manual
• Generally recognized as electrically connected
  cells and a component designed for use in
  battery assembly
• Battery Assembly referenced eight times in
  38.3.3 but not defined
• Generally recognized as assembly of electrically
  connected modules or batteries
• Battery System more frequently used in industry

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SAE 2984 Definitions

• Battery Module A group of interconnected cells
  in a single mechanical and electrical unit
• Battery System A completely functional energy
  storage system consisting of the pack(s),
  necessary ancillary subsystems for physical
  support, thermal management and electronic
  control.

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UL 2580 Definitions

• Module A subassembly consisting of a group of
  cells or electrochemical capacitors connected
  together either in a series and/or parallel
  configuration (sometimes referred to as a block)
  with or without protective devices and monitoring
  circuitry. A module is a component of an electric
  energy storage assembly.

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Proposed Definitions

• Module or Component Module is two or more cells
  that are electrically connected in a single
  mechanical and electrical unit and designed for
  use in a battery system. It may include housing,
  terminals, electronic circuits, protective
  devices and markings.

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Proposed Definitions

• Replace Battery Assembly with Battery System in
  UN Manual
• Define Battery System as a completely functional
  energy storage system consisting of two or more
  modules or batteries and necessary ancillary
  subsystems for physical support, thermal
  management, protection management and electronic
  control.

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Definitions

• Large battery defined as battery with a gross
  mass of more than 12 kg
• Generally associated with industrial-type
  batteries (e.g., EV, HEV)
• Largest consumer-type Li ion battery found in
  E-bikes weighs approximately 3.0 5.0 kg
• Proposed changes would better differentiate
  between consumer-type and industrial-type lithium
  batteries

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Proposed Definitions

• Large battery means a lithium metal battery or
  lithium ion battery with a gross mass of more
  than 5 kg.
• Small battery means a lithium metal battery or
  lithium ion battery with a gross mass of not more
  than 5 kg.