Objectives of the service
Battery developers, automotive suppliers, and testing laboratories face high upfront investment, limited flexibility, and long turnaround times when validating new battery technologies. Existing test systems are often rigid, costly to scale, and lack integrated data analytics, slowing development cycles and increasing operational risk.
The service provides a flexible battery testing solution based on a software-defined power platform, enabling precise control of voltage, current, and test profiles across multiple channels. It is delivered both as deployable equipment and as Battery Testing as a Service (BTaaS), allowing users to access testing capabilities on demand, execute test campaigns remotely, and receive automated data analysis without owning the infrastructure.
The project aims to demonstrate an integrated system combining hardware, software, and service delivery in a real operational environment. It focuses on validating system performance, user workflows, and the service model with industrial partners, while preparing the solution for scalable deployment across automotive, research, and space-related applications.
Users and their needs
The service targets industrial users directly involved in battery development, validation, and certification, where testing performance, flexibility, and cost efficiency are critical.
User communities:
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Automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers (e.g. electric vehicle development teams)
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Battery manufacturers and cell developers
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Independent testing laboratories and engineering service providers
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Research institutes and applied technology centers
Users involved in the activity:
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Industrial partners and test integrators in United States (UNICO) and Europe (Austria, Germany, Scandinavia)
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Battery technology partners and research collaborators in Europe and Middle East
User needs:
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Flexible and scalable testing capacity (from single cells to multi-channel setups)
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High-current, high-precision testing for advanced battery chemistries
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Reduced capital expenditure and faster access to testing infrastructure
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Integration with existing data systems and automated reporting
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Reliable and certified systems compliant with industry standards
Key challenges:
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Delivering high performance while maintaining flexibility and modularity
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Ensuring seamless integration into diverse user environments
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Achieving required certifications for industrial adoption
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Providing consistent, remote-access service with secure data handling
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Scaling the service model without compromising accuracy or reliability
Service/ system concept
The service provides users with reliable battery testing results, including charge/discharge performance, efficiency, and indicators of battery condition such as State of Charge and State of Health. Users receive structured reports, visual dashboards, and downloadable datasets that support design validation, certification, and performance optimization.
Key features include:
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Remote scheduling and execution of test campaigns
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Automated data collection and reporting
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Flexible configuration of test conditions
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Scalable capacity from small to large test setups
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Secure access to results and historical data
In simple terms, the system works like a smart testing lab that can be accessed locally or remotely. A battery is connected to a test unit that applies controlled electrical conditions. A central computer manages the process, collects data, and makes it available to the user through an interface.
At a high level, the architecture consists of:
Test units that interact directly with the batteries
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A central controller that manages operations
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A software platform that processes and presents the data
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User access via local or remote interface
Space Added Value
The solution builds on space-derived technologies and engineering practices developed for satellite ground support systems. It uses high-reliability power electronics, modular system architectures, and data handling approaches originally designed for space missions, where precision, robustness, and safety are critical.
The added value comes from transferring these proven capabilities into battery testing applications. Compared to conventional testing systems, the solution provides higher accuracy in controlling electrical conditions, improved stability under demanding test profiles, and greater system reliability. The modular architecture, inspired by ground segment systems, allows scalable deployment from small laboratory setups to large industrial environments.
In addition, structured data handling and monitoring approaches, aligned with space standards, enable consistent and traceable test results. This supports certification processes and improves confidence in battery validation.
By combining space-proven hardware design principles with advanced software and service delivery, the solution reduces technical risk, increases operational efficiency, and enables more reliable testing of next-generation battery technologies compared to existing market alternatives.
Current Status
The solution leverages space-derived technologies and infrastructure, including satellite-grade power electronics, ground segment software architectures, and data handling approaches developed for space missions. While no direct satellite operation is required, the system builds on space-proven Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and data processing principles.
The added value comes from:
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High reliability and robustness derived from space-qualified designs
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Precise measurement and control capabilities adapted from satellite testing
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Scalable architectures inspired by ground segment systems
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Secure and structured data handling aligned with space standards
Compared to conventional battery testing systems, this approach enables higher accuracy, better scalability, and improved operational stability. The combination of space heritage with industrial application reduces technical risk and accelerates adoption, especially for advanced battery technologies requiring precise and repeatable testing conditions.
Current Status of the Project
The project has reached Technology Readiness Level 5–6, with core hardware modules developed and validated in relevant environments. Functional battery testing racks have been assembled and tested, including multi-channel configurations and high-current operation.
Pilot collaborations have been established with industrial partners in the United States and Europe, supporting validation of user requirements and testing workflows. Pre-certification activities, including safety and electromagnetic compatibility assessments, have been initiated with positive preliminary results.
Current work focuses on system integration, including completion of power electronics components, implementation of communication interfaces, and development of the software platform for automation and remote access.
Next activities include full system validation, execution of pilot demonstration campaigns with users, and preparation for certification and commercial deployment with new business model.
