How should one test the quality of incoming LiFePO4 prismatic battery cells?

To ensure quality, follow this acceptance protocol for incoming cells:

  • Visual Inspection: Check for bulging, dents, or seal contamination. Lay a straightedge on the can to detect warping.
  • Weight Measurement: Use a calibrated scale to identify outliers in the batch.
  • QR Code Scanning: Log batch, serial numbers, and open-circuit voltage (OCV) to verify traceability.
  • Electrical Checks: Measure OCV after rest; healthy cells should show tight voltage consistency. Test internal resistance with a four-wire meter or gentle load test.
  • Terminal Inspection: Hand-thread nuts to avoid cross-threading and clean threads if needed.
  • Capacity Test: Sample-test cells using the intended current/temperature, following the datasheet’s CC/CV charging guidelines.

Document all findings and compare them against vendor-provided batch reports.