Steridium, a leader in environmental simulation and test chamber solutions, partnered with the Queensland University of Technology’s National Battery Testing Centre (NBTC) to design and deliver a custom-built battery test chamber. This facility will support critical research and development in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector, enabling safe, accurate, and repeatable testing of advanced battery technologies.
The Challenge
The NBTC required a highly specialised test chamber capable of handling the unique demands of modern battery research. Key requirements included:
- Safety: Lithium-ion and next-generation batteries can present fire, explosion, and thermal runaway risks. The chamber needed robust safety features and containment systems.
- Precision Control: Researchers required extremely stable temperature and humidity control to replicate real-world environments and stress-test battery performance.
- Scalability: The chamber had to accommodate a wide range of battery types and sizes, from small cells to large modules.
- Performance: A wide range of temperature (-20 to 60C) and Humidity (20-90%RH) was to be achieved and maintained with the presence of internal heat load which varied between 0 and 2 kW.
- Location: Only a small area was available to position the chambers between existing plan at the Banyo facility.
The Solution
Steridium designed and manufactured a custom environmental test chamber tailored to the NBTC’s specifications. The system incorporates:
- Advanced temperature and humidity control with high levels of temporal and spatial stability simulating extreme testing conditions.
- Explosion relief and gas extraction systems for maximum safety.
- High-precision environmental control, ensuring stable conditions for long-duration testing.
- Flexible test space, adaptable for both small-scale and large-format battery systems packaged into a 20ft container.
The Outcome
The new Steridium battery test chamber is now operational at the QUT National Battery Testing Centre, providing researchers and industry partners with world-class testing capabilities. Early trials have demonstrated:
- Improved safety in handling high-risk testing scenarios.
- Greater reliability of test results under controlled, repeatable conditions.
- Accelerated research cycles, supporting innovation in battery performance, durability, and safety.
This project highlights Steridium’s ability to deliver bespoke test chamber solutions that meet the most demanding technical and safety requirements. By enabling QUT’s NBTC to expand its research capabilities, Steridium is contributing to the advancement of Australia’s renewable energy and battery manufacturing industries
