Voltavision: Pioneer in the field of high-voltage battery testing expands test laboratories and supports external test centers with specially developed equipment
Powerful and precise, but above all fast and flexible - this is what Voltavision stands for as a test service provider in the field of high-voltage battery testing for vehicles in the development phase. As one of the first test laboratories for high-voltage batteries, Voltavision, which was founded in Bochum in 2011, is now one of the top addresses with over 160 employees when automotive companies want to implement tests of cells, modules and complete battery systems particularly quickly and in large numbers. In order to meet the rapidly increasing demand from Germany and abroad, the company is now opening another state-of-the-art test laboratory with test systems, some of which were developed in-house. A total of 1,935 test channels for cells, modules and batteries, spread over 195 test chambers, are now available in five laboratories covering a total of 4,600 square meters. The components developed in-house for test benches relating to lithium cell contacting, test piece temperature control, test chamber implementation and handling optimization are also made available to other laboratories by the Bochum-based company.
Close to the customer with modern test benches
Voltavision has specialized in testing cells, modules and complete battery systems for more than 11 years. With this extensive experience and an agile, flexible way of working, the testing expert offers its customers - including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi - precise test results in the shortest possible time, even when faced with unusual challenges. Electrical and functional tests, environmental tests and durability tests are possible in the ISO 17025 accredited test laboratories. Voltavision's in-house test bench development and cooperation with partners also enable a whole range of other tests, such as mechanical tests, in accordance with national and international standards. Voltavision's quality management system is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015, information security, prototype and data protection according to TISAX Level 3.
With the new “Riemke III” test laboratory, Voltavision is expanding its test capacities to an area of 4,600 square meters, spread over five buildings - two at the headquarters in Bochum-Querenburg near the university and now three on the former Nokia site in Bochum-Riemke. In the new Voltavision laboratory, eight completely newly developed battery test benches are used on around 525 square meters. In addition to the latest generation of SiC (silicon carbide) pack testers with fully automated parallel and switchover boxes for different battery connections, the new laboratory also features eight environmental simulation chambers based entirely on natural refrigerants for the first time. These high-performance “Voltacoolers”, developed and built by Voltavision, ensure optimum temperature control of the test specimens and are fully integrated into the chamber. They are characterized not only by their high power density with compact dimensions and easy handling, but above all by their small footprint. The energy optimization of the conditioning systems and climate chambers is a fundamental focus at Voltavision. For example, the “Voltacoolers” operate with modulated central cooling rather than with cooling cascades in the appliances. They are cooled with CO2 instead of WT69 as a refrigerant. The result is a significant reduction in the relative global warming potential, as the GWP value (global warming potential) of CO2 is 1, while that of WT69 is at least 1,357, but usually higher. One of many sustainability aspects at Voltavision.
From start-up to flagship company
Voltavision was founded in Bochum in 2011 by brothers Nils and Julian Stentenbach. The company now employs over 160 people. It not only tests batteries according to various criteria, but also develops its own test benches and sells them on. It is therefore a key driver of the technology revolution.
Nils Stentenbach was involved in the Solarcar research project during his studies at Bochum University of Applied Sciences and was responsible for the lithium-ion batteries of the solar-powered electric car developed for road use. Julian Stentenbach was involved in the development of the motors in the same project and was team leader of the project for over a year. Since then, the two have been fascinated by the question of how requirements for clean energy batteries can be validated in the laboratory as early as possible. Today, they and their team at Voltavision support both large manufacturers and medium-sized companies. They are always guided by the desire to make a contribution to a more sustainable future.
