Latest news with #thermalrunaway
ABC News
08-08-2025
- General
- ABC News
Lithium battery fires so far in 2025 almost double those in entire 2020
The number of fires caused by exploding lithium-ion batteries so far this year is almost double the number of fires for the entire 2020 — and it's only August. Firefighters have attended 94 lithium-ion battery fires this year, an average of three a week, and almost double the 49 blazes for the whole of 2020. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said almost a third of the fires in WA involved batteries which ignited when they were not charging. The fires were caused by household items like laptops, power banks, and power tools, along with e-rideables which sparked 19 blazes. The latest incident was on Friday morning at a commercial premises in Bentley, with minor damage to the building believed to have been caused by an e-rideable left on charge. DFES said the batteries could enter a dangerous state described as a 'thermal runway', which caused them to overheat, explode or emit toxic gas. Poor-quality, damaged or over-charged products were known to cause battery failure. DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said people needed to be cautious with their devices, regardless of how common or small they were. 'Be careful where you store your lithium-ion battery products and ensure they're charged on a hard surface, away from flammable items such as beds, carpet or couches,' he said. 'I also urge people to install and check their smoke alarms, particularly in garages — we see a lot of fires starting in carports as people often store their power tools and other devices there.' Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said devices containing lithium-ion batteries were an emerging risk. 'They're something so common now that people potentially don't see them as that danger they represent,' he said. Commissioner Klemm said vacuum cleaners were another risk. 'A lot of people I speak to don't realise in particular, with a battery-operated vacuum cleaner - that is not something that should be sort of stowed away in the laundry cupboard on charge,' he said. 'Hanging there all the time… that is a risk.' Mr Papalia said purchasing devices locally, which comply with the law, was the safest option. 'Everyone should seek to buy these bits of kit from reputable suppliers, if you're going to buy an e-scooter or any e-rideable — buy it from a reputable source here,' he said. Commissioner Klemm said batteries should be charged in open, ventilated areas and not left unattended. He urged people to regularly check for signs of physical damage or overheating and to take devices off charge before sleeping. People who want to get rid of batteries were advised to check the Recycle Right WA website for a safe disposal process.
The Verge
25-06-2025
- The Verge
How to safely maintain, use, and dispose of your power banks
The lithium-ion battery inside your power bank isn't designed to run forever. After years of use and hundreds of charges, its performance and capacity will decline, while the risk of more severe issues increases. There are things you can do to prolong your power bank's lifespan, while also ensuring you can use it safely. And if it's already a few years old, there are signs that your power bank may be reaching the end of its life and needs to be disposed of properly. The risk of a power bank causing a fire, which is the result of a chain reaction known as a thermal runaway, is low. But when it does happen, the fires are intense, occasionally explosive, and difficult to extinguish. Anker recently recalled more than 1.1 million aging power banks, and while the company says it only received 19 reports of fires and explosions, the incidents caused multiple injuries and over $60,000 of property damage. Knowing how to detect when a power bank has reached the end of its life can help prevent hardware failures and reduce the risk of a fire, but so can being proactive and knowing how to use the device properly. It may seem obvious, and it's not foolproof, but buying a power bank from a reputable brand can increase the chances it's made from higher-quality components and materials, and that it's free from manufacturing defects. Cheaper power banks may seem like a bargain, but the corners that have been cut to reduce their price tag could have negative impacts on their performance and reliability. Larger and more expensive power banks with greater capacities — like a 20,000mAh model instead of a smaller 5,000mAh one — also generally last longer, according to Anker. More capacity means a power bank has more battery cells to distribute the power load, putting less strain on them individually per charge cycle and increasing their lifespan. The thermal runaways typically responsible for power bank fires are caused when the chemical reactions in a rechargeable battery produce more heat than can be dissipated, resulting in a rapid, uncontrolled release of energy. To help mitigate the risk of overheating, you should avoid using or storing power banks in environments where there's extreme temperatures. For example, don't store them in a vehicle that's at risk of getting extremely hot inside, and avoid leaving them exposed to direct sunlight. Storing your power banks in a cool, dry, and dark location such as a closet is a good idea, but putting them all in a single container may not be. Keeping a little space between them reduces the risk of an overheating power bank causing another one to overheat. It's also important to stop using a power bank and dispose of it properly if it's been pierced or damaged, which includes accidental drops. Although it may look fine on the outside (aside from a scuff or a dent), it's impossible to know how the battery inside has been affected, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Anker's suggestions for extending the life of a power bank include only charging it to between 50 and 80 percent capacity to prevent accidental overcharging, and to avoid completely draining it before the next charge. It also recommends against using your power bank to charge another device while it's being charged, which can generate excessive heat and put extra strain on the battery. Some higher-end power banks allow for software and firmware updates, and companies will occasionally release updates that improve their performance or fix bugs that reduce their capacity or lifespan. You can check the specific manufacturer's website to see if this is a feature offered on your model and whether updates are available for download. There are no tools that can definitively tell you when it's time to replace a power bank, but a common symptom of batteries that have reached the end of their life is reduced performance. If it's taking significantly longer to fully recharge the power bank than when it was new or if the number of times you can use the power bank to recharge your device has been reduced, it might be time to replace it. Power banks, particularly smaller models, will always get warm when being charged or while powering other devices. But if your power bank gets so hot that it doesn't feel safe to physically handle, that could be a sign that there are potential problems. Other symptoms that are easier to spot include physical changes like a deformation or swelling. One of the safety features of lithium-ion batteries is a sealed casing that prevents chemicals like electrolyte from leaking while also protecting internal components. Excessive heat, or the age of the battery, can cause the electrolyte material to decompose, which creates a buildup of gases, making the protective casing expand like a balloon. If it expands enough, it can cause parts of the power bank itself to bulge outward, which is easy to spot. If left too long, those expanding gases can cause a battery to burst. Some issues are impossible to detect, so it's also a good idea to regularly check manufacturers' websites for product recalls. Companies like Anker and Baseus have dedicated pages where recalled products are listed. You can also search for specific brands and products on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website to find information about recalls. Even though the risk of a fire and explosions is low, power banks and other devices that use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries need to be disposed of properly and should never be thrown away with your home's regular trash or recycling. There have been several reports of garbage truck fires caused by lithium-ion batteries getting damaged by the vehicle's crushing mechanisms, and prioritizing convenience over someone else's safety is irresponsible. Some stores that sell electronics, like Staples and Best Buy, offer recycling programs, but they typically have limitations on what they'll accept. According to Best Buy's website, its stores won't accept 'items that present a health or safety hazard' or 'any product subject to a CPSC recall.' You'll want to first confirm what your local store is willing to accept. If you're trying to get rid of a power bank that's been officially recalled or is showing signs of being at the end of its life, you'll need to ensure you're following local laws and regulations when it comes to proper disposal and find a recycling facility near you that's equipped to handle electronics that are potentially dangerous. Your local municipality may recommend specific facilities to use. In addition, the US Environmental Protection Agency website lists several organizations that can help you find a disposal facility based on your location, including Earth911, Call2Recycle, and the Consumer Technology Association's Greener Gadgets. But as with retail locations, it's a good idea to first contact the electronics recycling facility and confirm the types of devices that it will accept.
The Drive
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Here's Why GM Designed a Gas Exhaust for EVs
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Every few months, it seems like somebody comes along and tries to put an exhaust system on an electric vehicle. Dodge's physical sound generator is perhaps the most novel attempt at something we'd consider a traditional 'exhaust,' but GM just patented something that is long on function and short on form. It's an emergency exhaust designed to head off a rare but catastrophic condition known as thermal runaway. Under normal circumstances, an EV only emits heat, rendering a traditional exhaust system pointless. Too much heat, however, is a potentially serious problem. Thermal runaway happens when, as a result of defect or damage, the battery begins to generate more heat than its cooling system can disperse, starting a chain-reaction effect that produces flammable gasses. It's the precursor to everybody's favorite electrified euphemism, the 'thermal event.' You know, fire. Salt water warning 😳 byu/Sir-Kyle-Of-Reddit inelectricvehicles GM's patent describes a system designed to help prevent thermal runaway from instigating a thermal event. To call it an 'exhaust' seems a bit generous; it's more like an elaborate wastegate. Essentially, it consists of a series of valves and/or caps that physically release the hot, combustible gases being generated within the malfunctioning battery cells and shunt them through a series of baffles that divert them away from adjacent cells and into a central exhaust chamber, where they're vented to the atmosphere, removing heat from the pack and eliminating potential ignition sources all in one go. While the greatest threat of fire would come from within the EV's battery, GM doesn't address the fact that it would expel combustible gases into what could be a chaotic, post-accident environment. Stellantis applied for a patent on a similar system earlier this year that incorporated a scrubber (akin to a catalytic converter) to remove unwanted components of the expelled mixture. Functionally, what GM has designed here has more in common with that emergency relief valve hanging off the side of your water heater than it does with a traditional internal-combustion exhaust system. But, it is technically an exhaust system. Ideally, a car equipped with such an 'exhaust' would never utilize it. But in the event of an accident or a defective/damaged battery, it could mean the difference between replacing a dead pack and rebuilding a burned-down garage—or home. Sounds like a winner. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Boyd to Exhibit at The Battery Show Europe 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany
Showcasing Boyd's Latest Innovation to Enable More Durable Thermal Runaway Prevention and Containment Solutions for Safer, More Powerful eMobility Batteries STUTTGART, Germany, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Boyd, a leader in battery thermal propagation prevention and thermal runaway containment technology, will exhibit at The Battery Show Europe, taking place June 3 – 5, 2025 in Stuttgart, Germany. Boyd experts will be on site to discuss how its battery technologies proactively and safely prevent and contain battery thermal runaway events. Boyd employs multi-functional, complex solutions designed for cell-to-cell application that absorb impact, vibration and movement, dissipate cell heat, and act as a barrier to quickly isolate extreme heat or flame in the unlikely event battery safety design features fail to prevent cell-to-cell thermal runaway propagation. Boyd technologies maintain homogenous temperatures across battery cells, enable faster charge / discharge cycles, reduce battery overheating, and isolate and prevent catastrophic battery damage. Experts will also be available to discuss how customers can leverage Boyd's new state-of-the-art Battery Material Safety Lab announced last month. Boyd is helping customers safely accelerate battery design and time-to-market as a one-stop-shop to design, validate, and manufacture integrated thermal runaway prevention technologies. "Boyd has exhibited at The Battery Show Europe for many years, and we are honored to continue our participation in 2025," said Kevin Kettler, Boyd Chief Transformation Officer. "This event is a valuable opportunity for global OEMs, tier suppliers, and industry innovators to regionally collaborate and address the evolving challenges European eMobility battery designers face today. We are helping regional eMobility leaders design thermal runaway prevention and containment solutions that enhance battery safety and reliability." Visit Boyd at booth 10-B16 to learn more about its innovative thermal runaway prevention and containment solutions. About Boyd Boyd is the trusted global innovator of sustainable solutions that make our customers' products better, safer, faster, and more reliable. Our innovative engineered materials and thermal solutions advance our customers' technology to maximize performance in the world's most advanced data centers; enhance reliability and extend range for electric and autonomous vehicles; advance the accuracy of cutting-edge personal healthcare and diagnostic systems; enable performance-critical aircraft and security technologies; and accelerate innovation in next-generation electronics and human-machine-interface. Core to Boyd's global manufacturing is a deep commitment to protecting the environment with sustainable, scalable, lean, strategically located regional operations that reduce waste and minimize carbon footprint. We empower our employees, develop their potential, and inspire them to do the right things with integrity and accountability to champion our customers' success. Visit us at View source version on Contacts Amie Jeffries, 2094092476 Sign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
16-05-2025
- BBC News
E-bike lithium batteries 'fastest growing' fire risk
Lithium batteries present the "fastest growing" risk of fires, a Welsh fire and rescue service has said. The batteries, and specifically lithium-ion batteries, are used to power a number of devices including e-bikes and scooters and their chargers, mobile phones, laptops and e-vapes. Campaigning charity Electrical Safety First said fires caused by substandard e-scooter and e-bike batteries were "tearing through homes" and want stricter rules to be introduced around their sale to reduce the UK government said it was updating product safety laws around the batteries to help keep people safe and taking action at ports and borders to stop unsafe products reaching consumers. The warning comes after seven people were taken to hospital earlier this month when a house fire in Cardiff was started by a lithium-ion battery-powered scooter. "The primary risk around these scooters is actually lithium-ion batteries and the thermal runaway that can happen from that," Marc Davies, home safety manager from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), said. A thermal runaway is an accelerating increase in temperature caused by chemical reactions which can lead to fire, explosion and "unpredictable fire behaviour", according to the UK's National Fire Chiefs Council. According to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, there were 136 fires involving lithium-ion batteries in south Wales from April 2020 to March 2025, with 100 recorded in the last two those reported fires over the last five years:30 people were injured with 24 of these occurring in the last two years49 were accidental dwelling fires, with 34 of these occurring in the last two years. One of these incidents led to a fatality linked to a fire involving a fault in a battery the 136 incidents, 39 involved an e-scooter or an e-bike with 25 of these incidents occurring in the last two years. These led to 13 people being injured, 10 of which occurred in the last two were 16 accident dwelling fires in south Wales which involved an e-scooter or an e-bike with 10 of these occurring in the last two years. These incidents led to five people injured with three of these occurring in the last two years In mid and west Wales, there were 26 incidents involving lithium batteries from 1 April 2020 to 5 May 2025. Four of these incidents involved e-bikes while one involved an e-scooter. Out of the 26 incidents, three people were injured. In north Wales there were 62 incidents from April 2022 to the end of February 2025. During that time seven fires involved an e-bike and four involved an e-scooter, leading to nine injuries. A spokesperson from Electrical Safety First, a charity which aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by electricity in UK homes, said fires caused by substandard e-scooter and e-bike batteries were "tearing through homes", putting lives at risk and causing "immense" damage to property. "These fires are especially dangerous due to the huge amount of energy that is released if a fully charged e-scooter or e-bike battery fails, triggering a process called thermal runaway which is almost impossible to stop once it has started," they charity is now urging the UK government to use the new product regulation and metrology bill to introduce stricter rules around the sale of batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters to reduce the risk of a fire. A department for business and trade spokesperson said it took the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, including those linked to e-bikes and e-scooters, "very seriously". "That's why we launched our 'Buy Safe, Be Safe' campaign to raise awareness of this important issue," they said. "We are also updating our product safety laws to help keep the public safe, as well as taking action at ports and borders to stop unsafe or non-compliant products from reaching consumers." April's e-scooter blaze in Cardiff is not the only recent fire caused by an lithium-ion battery. A year earlier in March 2024, SWFRS warned of the dangers that can be posed by lithium-ion batteries after a fire gutted a family home in Newbridge, Caerphilly county. The family who lived at the house managed to escape unharmed, along with their four to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Mr Davies of SWFRS said people should do their research and buy devices, batteries and chargers from reputable retailers. Otherwise there is a risk they can "overheat, catch fire and almost lead to a firework-like explosion", he said. He said other risk factors for e-scooters included wear and tear caused by kerbs, speed bumps and water ingress, having appropriate chargers and the rise of universal chargers. He warned against buying counterfeit goods as they do not meet safety standards. "You can't go wrong with ensuring something is British or UK standard, or European CE certification, and high street versus online have their own set of rules," he said. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is also urging people to dispose of lithium-ion batteries safely following several fires believed to have been caused by incorrectly discarded damaged or crushed, they can release flammable electrolytes, leading to intense fires at waste fires release harmful gases, and the resulting hazardous smoke can pose serious risks to both humans and the environment, NRW said. Residues from burnt waste can also pollute surface and groundwater, leading to long-term land Brunning, waste regulation and enforcement team leader at NRW, said such fires not only damage the environment "but also put local communities and emergency services at risk".
