Development of a Comparative Battery Chemistry Test Rig for Charge–Discharge Characterization and Efficiency Analysis

Background

With the accelerating transition toward electrification and renewable integration, batteries have become the cornerstone of modern energy systems. Their ability to store and deliver energy efficiently enables applications in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and grid-scale systems. However, different battery chemistries—such as Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), Nickel–metal hydride (NiMH), and lead-acid—display significant variation in performance, cost, and environmental impact.

To select the optimal technology for each application, it is essential to study and compare the electrochemical behavior of batteries under controlled charge and discharge cycles. Parameters such as round-trip efficiency, capacity retention, voltage response, and thermal stability reveal the strengths and limitations of each chemistry.

An automated battery testing platform provides the capability to perform such studies consistently and safely. Through controlled charge–discharge cycles, real-time data logging, and automated switching between test modes, such a system allows for detailed characterization and comparison of single-cell batteries. The test rig will support research and training in electrochemistry, energy storage, and system design.

Aim of the Thesis

The aim of this thesis is to design, develop, and validate an automated battery testing platform capable of performing controlled charge–discharge characterization at different environment and load conditions and comparative efficiency analysis of different single-cell battery chemistries.

The developed system will enable precise current, voltage, and temperature control, along with data acquisition and automatic test sequencing for reproducible battery analysis.

Specific Objectives

• To perform a literature review on battery testing rigs, with a specific focus on training/educational applications and remotely accessible systems.

• To define relevant key design aspects and training capabilities of battery testing system (physical phenomena demonstration, battery charge/discharge characterization, techno-economic decision-making simulation/case studies, and others)

• To develop the design, schematics, and technical specifications of the test rig including energy storage system simulator, relevant measurement instruments and equipment.

• To select the necessary mechanical and electrical components: sensors and actuators.

• To participate in the assembly, testing, and calibration of the developed rig.

Methodology Overview

• Literature review on automated battery testing systems, electrochemical measurement, and control algorithms.

• Design of charge/discharge circuits with bidirectional current control.

• Development of embedded control and measurement firmware.

• Calibration and testing of voltage, current, and temperature sensors.

• Automated test execution for each battery chemistry under defined C-rates.

• Develop data analysis and visualization algorithms

• Comparison of test results and discussion of observed electrochemical differences.

Expected Deliverables

• Fully functional automated battery test rig prototype.

• Control firmware and user interface for test automation and data visualization.

• Comparative performance dataset for different battery chemistries.

• Analysis report on efficiency, degradation, and thermal behavior.

• Final thesis report and oral presentation.

Duration

The project should start in Jan-Feb 2026, with a duration of up to 6 months.

Location

KTH, Department of Energy Technology

Main Supervisor

Examiner