Technical Experimentation & Data Acquisition Standards
This document defines the methodological framework for all experiments, analyses, and documentation conducted at Sensloop Lab. It outlines the procedures, equipment criteria, and data-handling principles established to ensure safety, reproducibility, and technical reliability.
1. Safety Protocol
Given the nature of lithium-ion batteries and high-current testing equipment, Sensloop Lab adheres to the following safety standards:
- All experiments are conducted on insulated workbenches.
- Fire-resistant clothing, protective gloves, insulated footwear, and safety goggles are mandatory.
- Prior to disassembly, voltage and internal resistance are measured; busbars are removed when necessary to ensure a safe state.
- Temperature, voltage, and current are continuously monitored during charge/discharge testing.
- Testing is immediately halted if abnormal heating, gas generation, or other warning signs are detected.
- High-temperature or high-current tests are performed only when fire-suppression equipment is readily available.
2. Equipment Standards
To ensure reliable and accurate data, Sensloop Lab utilizes the following instruments and systems:
Measurement & Charge/Discharge Equipment
- Neware 20V/5A battery tester
- ZKE EBC-A20 electronic load
- NI-based DAQ systems for voltage and temperature logging
- Industrial IR thermometers and thermal imaging cameras
Embedded & Control Systems
- Arduino Mega 2560
- ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Jetson Nano
- BTS7960 DC motor drivers
- MQ-series gas sensors
Environmental Conditions
- Experiments are generally conducted at 25°C ± 3°C whenever possible.
- Temperature-variation tests are performed in a separate controlled zone and documented accordingly.
3. Data Acquisition Protocol
To maintain data integrity and reproducibility, Sensloop Lab applies the following standards:
- All measurements are recorded using real-time logging systems.
- Each experiment is repeated at least twice under the same conditions.
- Raw datasets are disclosed on the blog whenever permissible.
- All graphs and tables are generated directly from original measurements without artificial processing.
- Measurement tolerances of ±1–2% are accepted, and calibration details are noted when applicable.
4. Data Analysis Method
Analysis is performed strictly according to quantitative, engineering-based principles:
- CC/CV charge curves, discharge curves, and internal-resistance variation graphs are provided.
- Performance comparisons are made using defined C-rates.
- Deviations from manufacturer specifications are analyzed and documented.
- Conclusions are based solely on observed data—no speculative or exaggerated interpretations are included.
- Abnormal or ambiguous results are categorized as “unknown cause” or “suspected cause” with clear distinction.
5. Reproducibility Standard
Sensloop Lab ensures reproducibility of all experiments through the following practices:
- Clearly specifying all conditions (voltage, current, cut-off values, etc.).
- Providing photos or diagrams of circuit connections and equipment configurations.
- Documenting the testing environment including temperature and model numbers of instruments used.
- Offering step-by-step procedures enabling others to replicate the experiment under equivalent conditions.
6. Purpose of Methodology
This methodology serves the following objectives:
- Standardizing battery and embedded-system experimentation
- Producing quantitative data usable by engineers and practitioners
- Establishing a safe, controlled experimentation environment
- Enhancing the credibility and transparency of technical content