SK On, the renowned battery cell manufacturer, has recently inaugurated its cutting-edge Battery Safety Evaluation Centre adjacent to its Seosan factory in South Korea. With a vast area of 3,400 square metres, the centre is set to become a hub for testing battery cells, modules, packs, and stationary energy storage systems under extreme conditions.
Scheduled to be fully equipped with testing facilities by the end of October, the SK On Battery Safety Evaluation Centre will facilitate safety tests across various scenarios, including exposure to extreme cold and heat. By harnessing the centre’s capabilities, SK On aims to replicate critical safety tests, such as assessing vibration, external shocks, thermal runaway, short circuits, and overcharging. The facility also offers non-destructive analysis methods, including computer tomography, along with the option to disassemble batteries for more detailed examination.
An essential aspect of this development is the consolidation of all battery safety-related tests and analyses within a single building, leading to substantial time and cost savings. Previously, SK On conducted module-level tests at its Daejeon facility and relied on external partners for CT scans. Now, with the new centre in operation, the entire process can be conducted in-house, streamlining the research and analysis procedures.
While specifics of the individual test rigs remain undisclosed in the official statement, SK On highlights that the entire centre, barring some offices, has been meticulously designed to be explosion-proof to mitigate damage during fire tests.
Seo Hyung-kwon, Vice President at SK On overseeing quality solutions, expressed his confidence in the facility’s capabilities, stating, “SK On now possesses the nation’s top-level battery safety evaluation facility. We are committed to undertaking comprehensive research and a diverse range of tests that extend beyond standard battery safety protocols, further bolstering our competitiveness.”
