Lithium-ion Batteries for Power Storage (GB/T 36276-2023) was released at the end of December 2023 and will be implemented on July 1, 2024. With the rapid development of the lithium-ion battery energy storage market in recent years, accidents have also been occurring frequently. Based on this, compared with that of the 2018 version, the overall structure of the new version remains basically unchanged, but the technical requirements are stricter, and the testing requirements are more comprehensive.

The hierarchical structure of the energy storage system is as follows: cells are connected in series and parallel to form a cell module, cell modules are connected in series and parallel to form a cell cluster, cell clusters are connected in parallel to form a battery energy storage system, and battery energy storage systems are connected in parallel to form a battery energy storage station. The performance and safety of the battery system are the cornerstone of the operation of the energy storage station. GB/T 36276-2023 covers key working parameters and performance safety from the level of cells, modules to clusters, and clearly specifies requirements for each level of batteries.

Due to space constraints, we will present the key changes between the new and old versions in two parts. This issue focuses on the key changes in cells.

Summary

Overall, the new version of GB/T 36276 has seen quite a few changes. For example:

• For performance, all performance indicator requirements have been raised.
• For cycling, the cycle temperature has been changed to 45°C to shorten the cycle time.
• For thermal runaway, it has been changed to dual-trigger by overcurrent and heating, and the thermal runaway test after cycling has been added.
• For safety, the testing conditions have also been tightened, the requirements for short-circuit line resistance have been refined, and the extrusion force has been increased.
• For products to be used at altitudes above 2000m, additional performance and safety testing for altitude are required.

The strict testing requirements pose a significant challenge to manufacturers. Manufacturers need to promptly understand the requirements of the new standard and make targeted design changes to their products to ensure smooth testing and compliance.

Next month, we will interpret for you the changes in the cell module and cell cluster parts of GB/T 36276-2023. Stay tuned!