AVN GmbH serves all areas, from research and development to the finished end product for industry. In this case, the University of Wuppertal’s research focused on the fundamentals of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.

Traction batteries, also known as drive or deep-cycle batteries, are rechargeable energy storage devices for electric vehicles and electrical appliances designed for high cycle stability and long service life. In electric vehicles, they typically reach the end of their lifespan with a capacity or performance loss of approximately 20–30%. Although they are then no longer suitable for vehicle use, they can often be reused in less demanding applications. This second-life use extends the lifespan of the batteries, reduces disposal, and conserves resources. Used vehicle batteries can be used as home energy storage systems for photovoltaic installations to efficiently store renewable energy and conserve resources. Reliability and safety are key challenges in this context and must be assessed, among other things, through fire tests.

The objective was to construct a chamber in which lithium-ion batteries could be subjected to controlled electrical overcharging to induce thermal runaway. Lithium-ion batteries pose a risk of thermal runaway when used on a large scale. This can lead to significant cell heating and the release of toxic and flammable gases, which can cause fires or explosions. To better assess the associated health hazards for residents and emergency responders, a special test setup was developed. Within a secure pressure vessel, lithium-ion cells are deliberately subjected to thermal runaway, allowing the resulting gases to be collected, measured, and analyzed in a controlled manner. The aim is to realistically assess the hazard potential of these gases and improve the safety evaluation of battery systems.