Lithium Battery Informal Working Group Meeting – 2015-2016
1St Session, 16-17 March 2015 – Brussels, Belgium
SUMMARY OF THE MINUTES.
1. The Chairman discussed the benefit of past Working Groups and reviewed the terms of reference as assigned by the UN Subcommittee. These include:
a. Comparison of UN Recommendations on the transport of Dangerous Goods (Model Regulations), UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (UN Manual),
and IEC Standards
b. Presentation of test requirements in a table to clarify applicability
c. Update the definitions to take account of cell design development
d. Review testing of large cells in small batteries
e. Develop a test report template.
Agenda Item
1.
DEFINITIONS
Discussion items
IEC presented a comparison of definitions in IEC Standards
versus those contained within the UN Model Regulations and
UN Manual. IEC presented new definitions for CELL and
BATTERY and then reviewed locations in Model Regulations
where these changes could impact the existing text.
Special Provision 188 would require a number of
modifications, as would P909.
The harmonization of IEC and UN definitions for cell, single
cell battery and battery was not discussed.
There are different interpretations on whether cells cannot
exceed 20 Wh in a battery with an energy content lower than
100 Wh.
Information was presented on new technologies that are
difficult to consider under the current cell and battery
Recommendations to the
WG
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
The Subcommittee could provide
a uniform interpretation on the
issue.
definitions. There were different interpretations about the
testing requirements for single cell batteries.
Thermal batteries were discussed and conclusions drawn that
they should be covered by a separate entry in the UN Model
Regulation
Agenda Item
Discussion items
Recommendations
2.
SUMMARY TABLE OF
CELL and BATTERY
TESTING
REQUIREMENTS
In annex I, the Tables presented and discussed
are reported. The Working Group will have to
improve and finalize these proposals.
There was a suggestion to prepare
separate Tables for primary and
rechargeable batteries.
The testing requirements for cells and batteries
which differs from a tested type were discussed.
The type of changes that might be considered to
differ from a tested type are described in the
NOTE to § 38.3.2.2 of the UN Manual of T&C.
Additional information should be
considered such as the Number of cells
and batteries to be tested and the
Number of cycles.
There was support for additional
guidance for clarifying the text and
harmonizing opinions within the WG.
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
Agenda Item
Discussion
Recommendation
3.SHOCK TEST (Testing
Large Cells used in Small
Batteries)
When large cells are tested, they are subject to
a 50g acceleration, whereas when the cells are
installed in a small battery, the battery would
be subjected to an acceleration as high as 150g
acceleration.
WG may consider sliding scale for T.4
acceleration for cells (align with sliding
scale for batteries)
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
WG may consider redefining the
definition of a large cell (currently at 12
kg)
Participants were invited to provide
additional technical data (testing data)
to support the discussion.
Agenda Item
Discussion
Recommendations
A Hybrid Battery consisting of a Lithium-metal
primary battery coupled to a rechargeable
Lithium-Ion cell or battery was presented.
The battery is not recharged from an outside
WG to continue discussion
on hybrid batteries and
determine if separate
definitions and testing
4.
TESTING RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM
METAL CELLS AND BATTERIES
4.1.
HYBRID BATTERY
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
4.2.
Lithium Metal Polymer Battery
(rechargeable)
source but contains rechargeable cells that are
recharged by the primary battery. The dominant
energy content is offered by the primary lithium
metal battery (>95%).
Information was presented on Lithium metal
polymer rechargeable battery operating at 80°C.
This is not to be compared with a thermal battery.
Discussion also included the temperature for
performing the overcharge test.
conditions are needed.
The battery should be
classified as UN3090 in
respect of its Lithium metal
content.
1.A clarification should be
introduced in the UN Model
Regulation § 2.9.4. or the
Manual of T&C § 38.3.2.3.
about the distinction
between Li-Metal and Li-Ion
batteries containing polymer
electrolyte (Refer to § 20 of
the Minutes).
1.Alternatively the SubCommittee could consider to
modify the UN 3090 entry, as
follow:
LITHIUM METAL BATTERY,
including lithium alloy and
lithium metal polymer batteries
Or a simplified version:
LITHIUM METAL BATTERY.
2.WG to provide clarity on
whether short circuit (T5),
overcharge test (T.7) and
forced discharge test (T.8)
must be conducted at
normal working conditions
for the battery.
4.3.
Lithium-Sulphur Rechargeable
Battery
Information was presented on a Lithium metal sulphur rechargeable battery operating at room
temperature.
The battery should be
classified as UN3090 in
respect of its Lithium metal
content. (Refer to remarks in
4.2. when applicable).
As in 4.2. above.
Agenda Item
Discussion
Recommendations
5.
TESTING OF POWER PACKS
The concept of testing and classifying power
packs or power banks was discussed. These are
devices which are designed to recharge other
batteries or devices and also include other
functions such as short videos and lanterns
(flashlights).
It was suggested that
detailed regulatory text may
not be necessary if a
guidance document were
developed that added
specificity and examples.
6.
TESTING DEVICES CONTAINING
LITHIUM BATTERIES
REF.
Some units have the battery permanently
installed but others have a removable battery
(often a single cell battery).
Cells are tested, but once cells are connected
into the system, they may not be tested as a
battery as required by the UN Manual. The WG
discussed the applicability of the UN38.3 to
batteries that are integral part of an equipment
which will never be transported outside of the
equipment.
The WG agreed to review
possible changes to the text
proposed in the PRBA
document to address the
issue.
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
Agenda Item
7.DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY WITH UN TESTS
REQUIREMENTS
Discussion
PRBA explained that they are developing a website
depository for Declarations of Conformity (DOC) to
make available documentation that cells/batteries
have passed relevant UN38.3 tests. It would only
be used to include information which would
confirm cells or batteries were successfully tested.
The WG discussed the benefits of such a
depository and DOCs. It was pointed out the UN
Model Regulations do not make it clear what
exactly is required. The WG should consider
defining exactly what information needs to be
provided by manufacturers and shippers.
Distinction needs to be made between the Tests
Record (as a partial fulfilment of 2.9.4 ( e ) (iv)) and
the Declaration of Conformity (for the benefit of
Shippers/Carriers/Freight Forwarders, etc…).
The Chairman drew attention to similar language
in Chapter 6.1.5.7.1 in the UN Model Regulations
for packaging testing reports
Recommendations
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
WG to review 6.1.5.7.1 and
determine if text is usable as
a basis for test report
content.
Report to Subcommittee that
additional elements of
conformity could be discussed
within the WG at future
sessions.
Agenda Item
Discussion
Recommendations
8.
TESTS ON INCORPORATED
BATTERIES and BMS.
Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry
presented information on a new national standard (GB
31241-2014) in China applicable to lithium ion cells and
batteries designed for use in “portable electronic
equipment” sold into the Chinese market.
Documents supplied for
information
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
The tests are voluntary until 1 August 2015, but it is
unclear after 1 August 2015 whether tests will be
required to be conducted by approved laboratories in
China.
Tests are separate and in addition to UN transport tests.
Agenda Item
Discussion
9.
INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT
SCREENING TEST
The US presented research on an internal short circuit
test. They discussed reasons for cell failure, current test
methodologies, and examples of test methods that could
be implemented.
The WG could not come to a consensus as to whether a
new test method for the MT&C was necessary.
However, the WG decided the Subcommittee should be
Recommendations
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
WG to ask Subcommittee if an
internal short circuit test should
be considered by the Lithium
Battery Working Group.
notified that the issue of internal short circuit has been
raised.
Agenda Item
Discussion
Recommendations
10. DAMAGED and
DEFECTIVE BATTERIES
The introductory language in UN Model Regulations Special
Provision 376 applicable to damaged and defective batteries
was discussed. However, questions were raised about what
criteria would a shipper use to determine if a battery is
damaged or defective.
VDA to share
damaged/defective
transportation
methodology with WG.
Proposed modifications to SP376 were presented.
Since the topic is not currently in the mandate for the WG,
the Subcommittee would have to direct the WG to do so.
Agenda Item
Discussion
11. TEST FAILURE
CRITERIA
PRBA noted that many batteries equipped with resettable
circuit interrupt devices. However the test provisions do not
currently permit for the resetting of such devices during the
test sequence, and therefore these batteries would fail.
WG participants to provide
example guidance of how
to handle such batteries to
next WG meeting.
Recommendations
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
WG to ask Subcommittee
whether the WG can issue
guidance or technical criteria for
when lithium batteries are to be
considered damaged for
defective.
Additional Requests to the
UNSCTDG
WG to ask Subcommittee to add
the issue of fail/safe devices to
the work program.
ANNEX 1.
Tables Tests vs Types of Cells/Batteries.
RECHARGE’s PROPOSAL : Table 1
Reference
Cell tests
Cell
Single cell battery
with non-tested cell
Single cell battery
with tested cell
Battery
tests
38.3.2.1
scope
38.3.2.1
scope
38.3.2.3
definition
Conditions
Without overcharge protection
(for rechargeable batteries
Not transported
separately
T6 and T8
With
overcharge
protection (for
rechargeable
batteries)
Transported separately
T1-T6 and T8
T1-T6 and T8
T1-T8
T7
Battery
38.3.2.1
Scope
NA
T1-T5
Assembled battery
(with tested
batteries)
38.3.2.1
NA
T3-T5
Large assembled
38.3.3(f)
NA
Protection
T1-T5 and T7
(for
rechargeable
batteries)
T3-T5 and T7
(for
rechargeable
batteries) or
protection
system
Protection
battery with tested
batteries (more than
6200 Wh)
System
System
2. Shanghai Research Institute of Chemical Industry presented a simplified table for testing clarification.
Table 2
Primary
Cell
Component Cell1
T.1
X
T.2
X
T.3
X
T.4
X
T.5
X
T.6
X
X
T.7
T.8
X
X
1
A component cell is never transported outside of a battery
Single Cell Battery2
Battery
X
X
X
X
X
2
Single cell battery containing a cell that has passed all applicable tests as a cell
Table 3
Component Cell1
Rechargeable
Cell
T.1
T.2
T.3
T.4
T.5
T.6
T.7
T.8
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Single Cell
Battery2,3
Battery3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
A component cell is never transported outside of a battery
2
Single cell battery containing a cell that has passed all applicable tests as a cell
3
T.7 required when battery is equipped with overcharge protection.