2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Li-ion batteries are now the main rechargeable electrochemical energy storage source in systems ranging from small portable electric-powered devices to autonomous robots and hybrid and all-electric plug-in vehicles. As increased production demands accelerate there is a corresponding challenge, particularly in North America, for universities to provide knowledgeable engineering technical talent to support the related Li-ion cell research. In the work presented here the authors review the major components of their Li-ion cell assembly and testing research laboratory, and the contributions that student research assistants provided in the effort to establish our Li-ion cell assembly and testing lab from its inception, equipment acquisition and set-up, to operation, commissioning and use for research activities at our university. The utilization of related research tools already available at the university are also discussed. Both undergraduate and graduate students share their experiences here in the process of learning and conducting Li-ion cell production and cell cycle testing. Finally, a list of suggested supporting classes and training is provided for other institutions interested in establishing such a laboratory.