Introducing Energy Storage Batteries' Revolutionary AI-Driven Thermal Runaway Testing System, Newly Launched by SGS
In a significant breakthrough for the battery market, SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services, has launched the first AI-powered automated thermal runaway testing system for energy storage batteries. This innovative solution, developed in collaboration with the Chongqing Energy College (CEC) in China, addresses critical safety challenges posed by thermal runaway in energy storage batteries.
The system's key features include full automation, smart detection and recording, and enhanced safety. The full automation feature allows centralized software to control all testing equipment, automate initialization, parameter adjustments, and data collection, freeing personnel from manual operations.
The AI-powered data processing uses deep learning models (including Yolo, TensorFlow, ResNet, VGG) to customize the analysis of temperature, voltage, gas emissions, and combustion data collected during tests. The computer vision-based smoke and fire detection accurately recognizes and logs thermal runaway events, improving data reliability.
Proprietary algorithms dynamically adjust testing parameters and monitor test progression in real time. The system aligns with the ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A:2025 standard to assess thermal runaway fire propagation in BESS and provide essential data on potential risks during thermal runaway events.
Walter Zheng, from SGS, stated that the system addresses the need for internationally accredited safety testing, faster certification turnaround, and improved test transparency. With automated data processing, customers benefit from faster access to market, reduced costs, and higher testing precision to ensure reduced risk and greater competitiveness.
The enhanced safety feature reduces personnel exposure to hazardous conditions, ensuring laboratory safety. The Chongqing Renewable & Advanced Energy Laboratory, where the system is now in operation, has obtained the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation in 2022, making it the first lab in China accredited to offer testing services according to UL9540A standards.
This solution effectively addresses critical safety challenges posed by thermal runaway in energy storage batteries, supporting safer commercial, industrial, and residential battery applications while speeding regulatory compliance and certification processes.
[1] Source: SGS [2] SGS Press Release [3] CEC Website
The AI-driven testing system developed by SGS and CEC, utilizes artificial intelligence in its data processing to provide enhanced precision for safety testing, improving the reliability of thermal runaway event recognition and reducing potential risks. With advanced features such as automated data collection and real-time parameter adjustments, the technology aims to speed up certification turnaround and increase market competitiveness.
The new thermal runaway testing system, armed with artificial intelligence, employs cutting-edge technology to align with the ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A:2025 standard, ensuring safer and more reliable testing across commercial, industrial, and residential energy storage applications.
