Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories, Loraine Torres-Castro, Nathan Johnson, and Alex Bates, filed a patent application titled “Method for Scaled Thermal Evaluation of Batteries and Related Materials.” The application (No. 19/416,660) was filed on December 11, 2025. The invention introduces a methodology for evaluating the thermal behavior and safety characteristics of batteries and related materials across different scales.
Thermal runaway and fire risk remain critical challenges for battery systems used in grid-scale energy storage and consumer electronics. Existing testing approaches are often limited in scalability or may not accurately reflect real-world conditions. This work provides a scalable framework for thermal evaluation, enabling better prediction of failure modes and improving safety design. These advancements support safer deployment of energy storage technologies, benefiting utilities, manufacturers, regulators, and the public as reliance on battery systems continues to expand.
Patents represent novel, non-obvious, and useful technological advancements that meet formal intellectual property standards. This patent application demonstrates the originality and practical impact of the work in advancing battery safety testing methodologies with real-world applications.
Citation: L. Torres-Castro, N. Johnson, and A. Bates, “Method for scaled thermal evaluation of batteries and related materials,” U.S. Patent Application 19/416,660, filed Dec. 11, 2025.
Photo: stock photo of battery packs within an uninterruptible power supply. Credit: Getty Images
This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity, Energy Storage Division, and by ARPA-E through the JOULES Program.