When noxious, flammable gases escape from lithium-ion batteries during thermal runaway, fires explosions and respiratory problems may follow. Scientists from several United Kingdom universities conducted a comprehensive review of factors affecting these dangerous thermal gas emissions. We review their report, and provide an overview right here.
Better Batteries For Reduced Thermal Gas Emissions
The researchers from Sheffield, London, and St Andrews Scotland conducted a comprehensive review to gather the available information. First, they obtained more than sixty research papers from diverse sources. Then they searched for evidence of a relationship between thermal gas emissions and battery design.
The scientists were concerned that the volume of electric vehicles was increasing, without in-depth understanding of thermal runaway. They hoped to discover how different battery features affect the volume, and type of gas that escapes. Because they believed this could lead to a better understanding of the impact of battery type, and recharging methods on safety.
The team of United Kingdom researchers concluded that lithium-ion battery fires were ‘deeply understudied’ according to Tech Explore. But they did already know that abused lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, explode, and release toxic gases. We append a link to their full report in Science Direct at the end of this article.
The Factors Influencing Thermal Runaway Emissions
The researchers confirmed that the volume of thermal gas emissions increases with battery size, although the gas composition does not change. However, thin rectangular prismatic cells release more gas than flexible pouch batteries.
Lithium-iron-phosphate batteries release less gas than nickel-manganese-cobalt ones, although the latter gas is less toxic. Interestingly though, the gas volume in the latter increases with the charge, while in the former case it reduces.
This information could be critical for a battery industry reeling from increasing reports of lithium-ion battery fires. The scientists, who only aggregated known facts, recommend further research to quantify their findings.
More Information
Thermal Runaway in LFP and NMC Batteries
BESS Systems Take on Thermal Runaway
