Iowa State University (ISU) is launching a state-of-the-art battery fabrication and testing center designed to bolster both academic and industry research in battery technology.

This new facility aims to enhance workforce development by providing ISU graduates with valuable hands-on experience in battery technology.

With the increasing reliance on lithium-ion batteries in everyday devices, the center will focus on enhancing battery safety research, a critical area of study.

At the heart of the facility is an advanced accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) system, which enables comprehensive testing of battery performance under various conditions.

The ARC system is one of the few in the U.S. and is particularly rare in university labs, allowing ISU to conduct unique research addressing safety hazards in battery testing.

Researchers will have the capability to test both new and used battery cells under diverse conditions, collecting real-time data on metrics such as temperature and voltage.

Research projects utilizing the ARC system will explore critical factors affecting battery safety, including thermal gradients and predictive modeling for thermal runaway scenarios.

The facility was funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Naval Research, which also supports multiple battery-related research initiatives at ISU.

Todd Kingston, an ISU researcher, highlighted that the facility is intended to serve as a shared resource for both university researchers and external partners lacking testing capabilities.

Growing interest in battery technology among ISU students is expected to attract a diverse range of individuals, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle battery-related challenges.

Overall, the center is poised to not only advance research but also cultivate a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the evolving battery technology landscape.