Battery cell thermal runaway simulation test method

A method for evaluating materials of a battery pack using a battery cell thermal runaway simulation system that includes a protective chamber;

• an adjustment assembly positioned in the protective chamber and configured to support the materials of the battery pack that will be exposed to a battery cell undergoing a thermal runaway event, the adjustment assembly being movable to adjust a distance between the materials of the battery pack and the battery cell;
• a first thermal monitoring device that is configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature of gases emitted by the battery cell undergoing the thermal runaway event;
• a second thermal monitoring device that is configured to generate a signal indicative of a temperature of the materials of the battery pack when the materials of the battery pack are being exposed to the battery cell undergoing the thermal runaway event;
• and a heating device configured to heat the battery cell until the battery cell reaches a critical temperature and undergoes thermal runaway, the method comprising:
• determining a testing distance between the materials of the battery pack and the battery cell that will subject the materials of the battery pack to the worst possible conditions when being exposed to the gases emitted by the battery cell undergoing the thermal runaway event;
• fixing the materials of the battery pack to the adjustment assembly;
• adjusting a distance between the materials of the battery pack and the battery cell to the testing distance by moving the materials of the battery pack, with the adjustment assembly, relative to the battery cell;
• activating the first and second thermal monitoring devices;
• and
• activating the heating device to heat the battery cell to the critical temperature and initiate the thermal runaway event and expose the materials of the battery pack to the gases emitted by the battery cell.