IEC 62576-2018 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 62576-2018 — Electric double‑layer capacitors for use in hybrid electric vehicles — Test methods for electrical characteristics. This international standard specifies electrical test methods, measurement circuits, procedures and calculation methods for characterizing electric double‑layer capacitor (EDLC) cells intended for peak power assistance in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

Abstract

IEC 62576:2018 (second edition) defines standardized methods to measure key electrical characteristics of EDLCs used in hybrid electric vehicles, including capacitance, equivalent series/internal resistance (ESR), voltage‑maintenance behaviour, energy efficiency (charge/discharge), and endurance/durability tests. The revision adds clarifications on applicability, improved definitions, clarified test procedures and an endurance cycling test annex. The document is intended to ensure repeatable, comparable test results between manufacturers, test laboratories and vehicle integrators.

General information

• Status: Published / Active.
• Publication date: 20 February 2018.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 31.060.99; 43.120.
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2018), cancels and replaces the first edition (2009).
• Number of pages: 60 pages (PDF publication as listed by IEC webstore).

Key bibliographic and edition data above are taken from the IEC publication entry for IEC 62576:2018.

Scope

Specifies test methods and related requirements for single electric double‑layer capacitor cells intended for use in hybrid electric vehicles for peak power assistance. Tests covered include measurement of capacitance and internal resistance, voltage‑maintenance characteristics after charging, round‑trip energy efficiency under defined charge/discharge regimes, and informative guidance for endurance and durability evaluations. The standard applies to EDLC cells (not complete battery packs or modules) and is focused on electrical characteristics under specified test conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined measurement circuits and equipment accuracy requirements for capacitance, internal resistance (ESR) and maximum power density testing.
• Procedures for voltage‑maintenance testing (open‑circuit voltage after specified charge and rest periods) and calculation of the voltage maintenance rate.
• Energy efficiency (charge/discharge round‑trip) test methods, including specified current profiles and calculation formulas.
• Endurance and durability guidance: thermal endurance, continuous high‑temperature voltage endurance and an endurance cycling test (informative annexes).
• Requirements for test equipment resolution, charge/discharge accuracy and setup to ensure repeatable results between laboratories and suppliers.

The technical topics above and the structure of clauses and informative annexes are summarized from the standard’s content and published summaries.

Typical use and users

Primary users include EDLC (supercapacitor) manufacturers, component test laboratories, automotive OEMs and suppliers developing hybrid electric vehicle power‑assist systems, and standards/ certification bodies verifying device electrical performance. Test engineers and R&D teams use the standard to develop repeatable test programs and to compare product performance across vendors.

Related standards

EN IEC 62576:2018 is the European adoption of IEC 62576:2018; the 2018 edition supersedes earlier national/adopted texts such as EN 62576:2010. Other related documents are publications from IEC technical committee TC 69 covering electrical energy transfer systems for electric road vehicles and industrial trucks and other EDLC or battery test standards used in automotive applications.

Keywords

electric double‑layer capacitor; EDLC; supercapacitor; hybrid electric vehicle; HEV; test methods; capacitance; ESR; internal resistance; voltage maintenance; energy efficiency; endurance testing; IEC 62576:2018.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 62576:2018 is an international test standard that specifies electrical test methods for electric double‑layer capacitor cells used in hybrid electric vehicles, focused on quantifying capacitance, internal resistance, voltage behaviour, energy efficiency and endurance characteristics.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers defined measurement circuits, equipment accuracy requirements, step‑by‑step test procedures and calculation formulas for the electrical characterization of EDLC cells, plus informative annexes with guidance on endurance testing and practical measurement considerations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: EDLC manufacturers, independent test laboratories, automotive OEMs and suppliers working with hybrid electric vehicle power‑assist systems, and conformity assessment/standards bodies. Test engineers and laboratory managers use it to create consistent test protocols.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition is the current IEC edition (second edition) published on 20 February 2018 and replacing the 2009 first edition. The IEC publication entry lists stability information for the edition; users should check with IEC or national bodies for any newer amendments or a later edition after 2018.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: IEC 62576 is specific to EDLC electrical test methods and is maintained by IEC technical committee TC 69. It sits alongside other IEC and ISO/IEC documents addressing energy storage, battery and vehicle testing; some regions publish adopted versions as EN IEC 62576 where applicable.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: EDLC, electric double‑layer capacitor, supercapacitor, HEV, capacitance, ESR, voltage maintenance, energy efficiency, endurance testing, test methods, IEC 62576:2018.