Published: August 7, 2025 | Author: Birgit Baustädter
Batteries are becoming increasingly integral to our daily lives and a cornerstone of sustainable energy systems. As the transition to renewable energy accelerates, the need for reliable short- and long-term energy storage becomes more pressing. Batteries—already widely used—must now also meet rising safety demands, particularly in mobility and high-performance applications. Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) is at the forefront of this research, conducting interdisciplinary studies across several institutes and research centers.
Battery Safety Under Extreme Conditions
At the Battery Safety Center of TU Graz, researchers intentionally push batteries to their limits—crushing, crashing, pressing, and stressing them. The goal is to test how different environmental and mechanical conditions affect battery integrity and performance. These tests involve both charged and uncharged batteries of various ages and usage histories.
In 2026, the center will unveil a new, advanced test rig designed to study mechanical stress and precise battery characterization. “Thanks to a sophisticated measuring system, the new setup will significantly enhance data accuracy for simulation models,” explains Jörg Moser, head of the center.
Battery4Life: Long-Term Safety
The Comet-Zentrum Battery4Life focuses on ensuring that lithium-ion batteries remain safe over extended periods. Researchers study how batteries behave under high loads and monitor degradation (aging), particularly how it impacts operational safety. The project aims to develop new measurement procedures and qualification methods to ensure long-term safety—both in initial and second-life applications.
Safe Testing with T-Cell Dummy
To replicate heat generation in batteries without chemical risk, the Institute of Thermodynamics and Sustainable Propulsion Systems has developed the T-Cell dummy—a cylindrical cell with only heating foil and electronics. “It mimics the surface temperature of a real battery without the danger of fire or chemical reaction,” says project lead Eberhard Schutting. Combined with advanced simulation systems, this dummy helps test thermal behavior safely.
Addressing Thermal Runaway
Thermal runaway—the uncontrolled overheating of battery cells—can cause dangerous chain reactions and fires. As batteries store more energy, this issue becomes more critical. The Institute of Process and Particle Engineering is investigating thermal runaway in detail, aiming to provide engineers with simulation tools, testing methods, and safety protocols.
Understanding Battery Materials
At the same institute, researchers are also studying the behavior of battery materials, especially in recycling processes. To simulate how irregular particles flow and interact, the team identified the tetrapod shape as an effective model—key for improving recycling techniques.
Meanwhile, the Institute of Materials Physics is researching lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries using magnetic measurement methods. By tracking the oxidation and reduction of metal oxides in the battery cathode during charge cycles, researchers can monitor performance and material behavior with high precision.
A Safer Battery Future
These interdisciplinary efforts at Graz University of Technology are paving the way for safer and more reliable battery systems—essential for a sustainable energy future.
Source: Graz University of Technology
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