General Motors is now using Bitrode’s fully automated battery test system in their new Global Battery Lab located in Warren, Michigan. Comprised of A&D’s Labminder, iCentral, and Bitrode’s cell, module and pack test equipment, the state-of-the-art A&D iTest EV solution represents a major advancement in world class battery systems.

The fail-safe laboratory’s active error tracking reduces battery failure and thermal events. Complete lab monitoring (including chambers and other auxiliary equipment), automated status notification and lab surveillance cameras make off-site management easy. The innovative collaboration not only maximizes productivity reduces hard costs.

Bitrode is now applying its years of experience in battery formation, testing and equipment to create the safest laboratory systems and software programs in the industry. Currently adopted by MAGNA’s eCar program and in use at GM’s Global Battery Lab, the system is already well-positioned to become the industry standard for advanced battery testing.


Main Advantages of the iTest/LabMinder System:

• Lab utilisation: By reducing lab downtime, the system can be utilised for longer periods of time.
• Cost-efficiency: Lower input of resources such as equipment, people and specimens reduces costs.
• Independence: Designed to write/recreate tests, crunch the data and archive it, the system reduces human dependency and increases test accuracy.
• Runtime efficiency: Higher runtime efficiency reduces the time on test. 24/7 operation (with preventive safety systems) allows for condensed test time, especially important for life cycling.
• Automated overlord: This collaborative system maximizes systems and personnel by automating systems to achieve 24/7 operation utilizing only half the usual lab experts and equipment as would be needed with standard systems.

The Bitrode system’s on-demand standard test results free staff to focus on proprietary work as well as leverage data for greater ongoing customization. Test specialists (analysts) can utilize reusable data as building blocks to develop more extensive testing. Once parameterized, tests can be scaled to specific units. Generic tests can be written with parameterization to customize them for specific requirements. Flexible limits, calculations, sequences and actions provide a fertile environment for future development.



Flexibility for future developments

Because evolving advanced chemistry batteries have yet to achieve lead acid’s proven history, any battery test system must not only provide the efficient automation required by today’s methods, but also the flexibility necessary to adapt to the changing requirements as in-use experience grows and batteries evolve. Bitrode’s fully automated system provides flexibility for incrementally changing test procedures, while also facilitating future methods such as design of experiments (DoE), modelling, and real-time simulation (HiL or hardware in the loop).

GM’s global lab manager confirmed that this kind of automation and lab management system is a requirement for his new Advanced Battery Lab. Despite GM’s years of experience dating back to the EV-1 program, he stated that the lab would have cost more, and it most certainly would not been completed six months ahead of schedule.

About Bitrode Corporation

Evolving steadily over fifty-five years, Bitrode’s long experience in delivering innovative technical and engineering solutions to any battery manufacturing or Q/C challenge assures customer satisfaction in the purchase of any Bitrode product. Our technicians and design engineers develop innovative, custom-tailored solutions guaranteed to meet any requirement. Clients return to Bitrode again and again for specialized equipment, turnkey automation systems and collaboration, innovative solutions, and full-service support in every aspect of battery manufacturing.