Abstract: A system for assessment of dimensional variation of an electro-chemical battery cell during charge/discharge cycling, including a test fixture configured to position thereon a battery cell. The test fixture includes a pressure plate configured to apply a force to the battery cell. The test fixture also includes a reaction plate disposed parallel to the pressure plate and configured to sandwich the battery cell between the reaction plate and the pressure plate. The test fixture additionally includes an elastic member assembly configured to facilitate adjustment of the force applied to the battery cell. The system additionally includes an electronic hardware device configured to regulate an electrical current applied to the battery cell. The system further includes a contact displacement sensor configured to detect change in the battery thickness.

Abstract: A battery testing apparatus includes a battery cycler configured to position a battery cell in a cell pocket defined by a baseplate. The apparatus additionally includes a thermal control device configured to regulate thermal energy in the cell pocket, a baseplate thermistor for detecting baseplate temperature, and thermal control device thermistor for detecting thermal control device temperature. The apparatus also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) in electric communication with the thermal control device thermistor. An electronic microcontroller, in electric communication with the baseplate thermistor and the PCB, is configured to regulate operation of the thermal control device based on data from the baseplate thermistor and the thermal control device thermistor.