FLASH
Fiber-optic Learning for Advanced battery Safety and Health
FLASH develops advanced fiber‑optic sensing technology to improve the safety of lithium‑ion batteries used in mobility, aviation and stationary energy storage. By enabling measurements during extreme events such as thermal runaway and short‑duration fire exposure, the project provides new insight into battery failure processes. FLASH combines high‑temperature sensors, advanced optical technologies and realistic battery testing to support safer battery design, testing and certification.
Lithium‑ion batteries are essential for electric mobility, aviation and stationary energy storage, but their increasing energy density also raises safety risks. One of the most safety‑critical failure modes is thermal runaway, where a single failing cell can rapidly propagate fire and damage across an entire battery module. Current testing methods provide only limited insight into what happens inside batteries during such extreme events. The FLASH project addresses this challenge by developing advanced fiber‑optic sensing technologies that monitor temperature and mechanical behaviour during abuse, destructive and fire tests. This enables better understanding of battery failure and supports safer battery design, testing and certification.