Experimental study on thermal runaway and vented gases of lithium-ion cells

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become more prevalent in mining to power a wide range of devices from handheld tools to mobile mining equipment. However, the benefits associated with using Li-ion batteries may come with a higher risk of a fire or an explosion. The major cause for a Li-ion battery fire is thermal runaway. If unmitigated, a thermal runaway can lead to cell rupture and the venting of toxic and highly flammables gases. Those flammable gases can cause a fire or explosion if ignited. In this study, researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted experiments to monitor the heating of a Li-ion cell with different battery chemistries using an accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC). Inside the ARC, the cell was exposed to increasing temperatures until it reached a thermal runaway. Samples of vented gases after the thermal runaway were collected and analyzed using a gas chromatograph. Major gas components were identified, and their concentrations were measured. The results of this study can be useful in reducing the hazard of Li-ion battery fires.