Lithium-ion batteries are back in the news again. We have previously pointed out the media penchant for bad news in some quarters produces skewed results. However, a recent event once again raises the question is lithium-ion unsafe for large storage. A horrific follow-up about e-cigarette batteries also arrived in our in-tray today.
Arizona Commissioner Asks Is Lithium-Ion Unsafe
A battery fire broke out the McMicken substation on April 19, 2019. This was after two lithium storage batteries overheated near Surprise, Arizona expelling fumes. At the time questions were asked regarding the reliability of the technology in terms of safe, reliable grid scale storage.
Democratic Commissioner Sandra Kennedy has been pushing hard for an official investigation. She has now written a letter to the Arizona Corporation Commission. Is lithium-ion unsafe she asks, as she outlines the uncertainties and suggests other storage alternatives. She goes as far as alleging “unacceptable risks” from lithium-ion batteries according to website Utility Dive.
Watch Thermal Runaway Live in Lithium Batteries
Meanwhile Another E-Cigarette Fire Update
Will Hawksworth aged 24 was driving to Wortley Golf Club in Sheffield, England when he felt his chest on fire. However this was no heartburn attack or onset of sudden indigestion back in January 21, 2018.
He remembered his e-cigarette batteries were in his shirt pocket as his girlfriend shouted “stop the car, you are burning”. Will leaped from the car as the fire spread, and packed snow on his chest to cool the flames. However, he suffered severe burns and is only just returning to full health. He has now begun the process of suing the e-cigarette battery company.
By reading the small print we discovered Will Hawksworth had charged the new batteries earlier that morning after presumably removing the protective packaging. Therefore we think it’s likely two button battery terminals contacted and completed the circuit through something metallic.
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Video Share ink: https://youtu.be/uN8HcqAtDSY
