When Battery Testing Builds Confidence

Apr 29, 2026Digital & Product Solutions

Some projects stand out not because they are flashy, but because everything comes together at exactly the right moment. The recent Thermal Propagation Test carried out at the fire test hall in the DEKRA Battery Test Center in Klettwitz, Germany, was one of those moments.

The test marked the commissioning of our new flue gas scrubbing system and was conducted together with a well-known German customer. From the very beginning, the philosophy behind the test center was clear: if we aim to support the development of clean and sustainable mobility, then large-scale battery fire tests should be performed indoors, under controlled conditions, rather than outdoors. This approach allows for realistic testing while responsibly managing emissions generated during critical failure scenarios.

From the start, everyone involved was aware that this was more than a routine test. The customer wanted clear, reliable answers to a fundamental question: how does a stationary energy storage system behave in a real emergency, and do the installed safety measures truly hold up when it matters?

To find out, the test deliberately recreated a critical scenario. A stationary storage container equipped with an integrated fire suppression system was subjected to a targeted thermal propagation event. The propagation was initiated at module level using a nail penetration test, a demanding and well-established method to trigger failure under controlled conditions. Throughout the test, all relevant parameters were carefully monitored. Electrical data, video and audio recordings captured what was happening inside the system in real time, while the newly commissioned flue gas scrubbing system extracted and treated the combustion gases generated during the event.

When the test was over, the result was clear and reassuring. The integrated safety system responded exactly as intended. Thermal propagation was handled as designed, and the combustion gases were reliably captured, filtered and cleaned. For the customer, this was the key outcome: clear confirmation that their safety concept works under realistic and severe conditions. For DEKRA, it demonstrated once again that realistic testing and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Behind the scenes, the smooth execution of this challenging campaign owed much to strong project coordination. The project was led by Sebastian Borm, who managed the assignment for the first time in his new role as Project Manager. In an environment where timing, safety and communication are critical, his structured and calm approach made a tangible difference.

As Sebastian puts it, “You feel the responsibility in tests like this. It’s not about theory; it’s about proving that safety concepts really hold up when things get critical. I’m proud of how the team handled this test and the trust we built with the customer.”

From preparation through on-site execution, he ensured that all parties stayed aligned and that the focus remained firmly on safe, transparent and reliable testing. The customer noticed and said so. The feedback was openly positive, not only regarding the technical results, but also the way the project was handled overall. Trust grew during the test campaign, and that trust quickly turned into action: the customer has already placed a follow-up order, laying the foundation for continued collaboration.

Projects like this show what DEKRA stands for in everyday practice. They show how careful preparation, robust test infrastructure and committed people come together to turn complex testing into clear answers. For Sebastian Borm, it was a strong start in his new role. For the customer, it was confidence gained. And for everyone involved, it was a reminder that good testing is not just about data, it is about trust.

Find out more about DEKRA Battery Test Center and its battery validation, testing and certification services.