High temperature battery cell test for enhanced battery safety
Kulr Technology in the US has been awarded a contract by the US Navy to use its Internal Short Circuit (ISC) technology at higher temperatures.
The Kulr technology can be used for testing both military and commercial applications, supporting a wide range of safety-critical uses. This is particularly important for aviation by enabling the simulation of extreme conditions that better reflect the stringent safety standards of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
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The ISC devices were originally developed in collaboration with NASA and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and induce controlled thermal runaway in lithium-ion cells, This provides safer and more accurate testing than conventional methods. With the capability to activate at elevated temperatures, the new ISC devices provide deeper insights into battery behaviour under worst-case scenarios, allowing for a more precise evaluation of resilience and safety for high-stress environments.
This high-temperature ISC activation mirrors real-world operational stresses, offering precise data on thermal runaway behaviour essential for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. The advanced ISC testing helps align battery safety development with the rigorous safety expectations of FAA and EASA as electric aviation progresses toward certification.
“Our work with the U.S. Navy on high-temperature ISC technology will enhance safety protocols and provide essential data as electric aviation moves closer to regulatory certification and market entry,” said Michael Mo, CEO of KULR Technology. “With these advancements, KULR is well-positioned to support safer, more resilient battery systems across the aviation industry.”
The company’s proprietary carbon fibre custom cathodes is also being used in laser-based small modular reactors (SMRs) for nuclear fusion. The technology was designed initially for aerospace and defence applications and has proven capabilities in harsh environments.
“Kulr’s expertise in space-proven engineering uniquely positions us to support mission-critical energy solutions,” said Michael Mo, CEO of Kulr. “By applying our advanced materials to nuclear fusion, we are taking meaningful steps toward addressing the United States’ critical energy needs and advancing its broader goals of energy security and sustainability”.