Grants and Contracts Details
Description
We propose to develop an operational database and functional understanding of the
inherent safety of commercial secondary Li-ion batteries used in portable
communications, tracking devices, cap lamps and AMS equipment operating in mine
environments. Many safety issues with current Li-ion batteries are derived from thermal
runaway and the intrinsic flammability of organic solvents, which can result in explosion
and venting of hot gases. In mining environments where fine coal dust and methane gas
can act as potential ignition sources, thermal runaway of Li-ion batteries can further
jeopardize the safety of miners. To this end, we will evaluate the potential ignition
hazards of commercial Li-ion batteries subjected to mechanical (crush) and overcharge/
over-discharge abuse testing operating in a mine environment (methane/air gas
mixture). A pragmatic study of the potential ignition hazard of commercially available
cells will be evaluated as a function of cathode and anode chemistry, electrolyte solvent
and state-of-charge (SOC) under crush testing and over-charge/over-discharge abuse
conditions in a mixture of 6.5% CH4/air. Data generated in this study will be used to
evaluate risk potential for ignition hazards, develop recommendations for selecting
commercial battery chemistries and establish safe maintenance and operating protocols
for devices using Li-ion batteries.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 9/25/13 → 5/31/16 |
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