Penn State Behrend has been awarded $2.5 million in federal funding to develop a battery-testing facility in the college's Knowledge Park. 

The planned Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness will support the transition to battery-powered heavy-haul equipment in the rail, marine and mining industries. 

According to the university, funds will be used to equip a test rig where researchers and industry partners can study a condition known as thermal runaway, a chain-reaction that can occur when the temperature in lithium-ion batteries exceeds the normal operation range. 

The university said the rig will include a thermal chamber that can simulate a wide range of temperatures, from 80 degrees Celsius to -40 degrees Celsius. 

As part of Behrend's Open Lab environment, the rig will be available to industry partners at Wabtec, Komatsu, Caterpillar and other companies. 

“Economic development initiatives are most effective when they blend university, government and industry resources,” said Amy Bridger, assistant dean for innovation and corporate strategy at the college. “This is an example of how that can work, with the benefit extending beyond the original partners.”

Additionally, the rig will also advance Project RESOLVE, a 10-year regional effort to shift the transportation, metal-casting and plastics industries to a circular economic model. 

More information can be found on Penn State Behrend's website.