Testing that Reaches the World

A forced discharge test is a critical evaluation method used to assess a battery's behavior under extreme conditions, specifically by discharging it at a rate that exceeds its designed specifications. This test helps identify potential safety risks, performance limits, and failure mechanisms.

The forced discharge test helps to determine how the battery responds when subjected to conditions that may lead to over-discharge or failure and how the impact of high discharge rates on battery capacity and efficiency.

During the forced discharge test at Clark, our test engineers help our customers analyze the types of failures that may occur under forced discharge conditions, such as thermal runaway, leakage, or internal short circuits.

The forced discharge test typically begins with a fully charge the battery to its rated capacity to establish a baseline for performance.  The battery is then discharged at a significantly higher current than its rated specification, often until it reaches a critical voltage level. This may involve specific equipment such as capacitors and load banks to regulate and monitor the discharge rate.

Throughout the test, Clark’s test team will monitor and record certain parameters including:

• Voltage levels
• Temperature changes
• Current output
• Physical changes in the battery (e.g., swelling or leakage)

Forced discharge testing helps to understand how the battery performs under extreme discharge conditions, including capacity retention and efficiency.  At the conclusion of the test, the battery is examined for signs of failure or damage, and the data is analyzed to draw conclusions about its performance and safety.  Identification of failure thresholds and potential risks associated with forced discharge scenarios.