Self-Discharge Experimental Sequence

Run the Self-discharge standard technique by selecting Experiment>Electrochemical Energy>Self Discharge from the Framework™ menu bar. This initiates the following sequence of events:

  1. The Framework creates a Runner window, and the pwr self discharge.exp script is run in this window.
  2. The script creates the Setup dialog box and accepts changes in the parameters.
  3. The script now obtains the use of the potentiostat specified during Setup, and opens the data file specified in the Output name. The Runner window’s Title reflects the Output filename. If the potentiostat is in use or the file cannot be opened, the script returns to the Setup dialog box.
  4. The file header information is written to the data file. This information is written to the file prior to data acquisition. If the experiment is aborted, the output file contains only this information. This header information includes: (a) Tags identifying possible analysis; (b) The current time and data; and (c) A list of setup parameters.
  5. The cell is turned on.
  6. The charge step occurs. The system holds the cell at a constant voltage, and measures the current. Data are displayed on a plot of current versus time and voltage versus time.
  7. The software finishes the charge step, and turns off the cell.
  8. The decay step runs, while the potentiostat monitors the open-circuit potential of the cell. Data are plotted as voltage versus time.
  9. The data are written to the output file, and the script cleans up and halts. After the experimental sequence is complete, the cell is turned off. The acquired data are written to the output file. The script then waits for you to click the F2-Skip button. After you do so, the script closes everything that’s open, including the Runner window.