Isothermal Battery Calorimeters
NREL's R&D 100 Award-winning Isothermal Battery Calorimeters (IBCs) are the only calorimeters in the world capable of providing the precise thermal measurements needed for safer, longer-lasting, and cost-effective batteries.
Batteries must operate at maximum efficiency, perform at optimal temperatures in a wide range of conditions and climates, and provide energy through their expected life to meet the future energy storage demands. These NREL-designed IBCs accurately measure the heat generated by batteries, analyze the effects of temperature on battery systems, and pinpoint ways to manage temperatures for the best performance and maximum life. Three models—the IBC 284, the Module IBC, and the Large-Volume IBC—make it possible to evaluate energy devices at a full range of scales.
The World's Most Precise Battery Calorimeters
Development of precisely calibrated battery systems relies on accurate measurements of heat generated by battery modules during the full range of charge/discharge cycles as well as determination of whether the heat was generated electrochemically or resistively. The IBCs can determine heat levels and battery energy efficiency with 98% accuracy and provide precise measurements through complete thermal isolation. These are the first calorimeters designed to analyze heat loads generated by complete battery systems.
| Specifications | IBC 284 (Cell) | Module IBC | Large-Volume IBC (Pack) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Voltage (Volts) | 50 | 500 | 600 |
| Sustained Maximum Current (Amps) | 250 | 250 | 450 |
| Excursion Currents (Amps) | 300 | 300 | 1,000 |
| Volume (liters) | 9.4 | 14.7 | 96 |
| Maximum Dimensions (cm) | 20.3 x 20.3 x 15.2 | 35 x 21 x 20 | 60 x 40 x 40 |
| Operating Temperature (C) | -30 to 60 | -30 to 60 | -40 to 100 |
| Maximum Constant Heat Generation (W) | 50 | 150 | 4,000 |
Working With Industry To Fine-Tune Energy Storage Designs
The IBCs enable battery developers to understand thermal performance and loads before deploying these batteries. Manufacturers use these metrics to compare battery performance to industry averages, troubleshoot thermal issues, and fine-tune designs.
The U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium, and their partners rely on NREL for precise measurement of energy storage devices' heat generation and efficiency under different states of charge, power profiles, and temperatures.
For more details on the IBCs, see the Isothermal Battery Calorimeters fact sheet.
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Last Updated April 1, 2025