Fire Safety Test Reveals Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Failures
BUSAN, South Korea, March 13 (Korea Bizwire) – As aviation authorities strengthen in-flight safety measures for power banks and electronic cigarettes, South Korean fire officials have highlighted the dangers of lithium-ion battery thermal runaway through a recent experiment.
On March 12, the Busan Fire & Disaster Headquarters conducted a public demonstration to assess the risks associated with lithium-ion battery failures under various conditions, including overheating, physical impact, and overcharging.
The experiment also tested the effectiveness of fireproof pouches made from repurposed firefighter turnout gear, which is composed of heat-resistant aramid fibers.
During the test, when the battery’s internal temperature exceeded 260°C (500°F), a rapid chemical reaction triggered combustion, with flames reaching over 616°C (1,141°F).
When subjected to a force of 300 kilograms (661 pounds), the battery ignited within two to three seconds. Under overcharging conditions, flammable gases began to leak after seven minutes, and by the eighth minute, the temperature spiked to 464°C (867°F).
However, when these overheating batteries were placed inside a fireproof pouch, flammable gases were released after four and a half minutes, but no external flames were observed. Aramid, the key material in firefighter gear, is known for withstanding extreme temperatures ranging from 500°C to 600°C (932°F to 1,112°F).
Busan Fire Chief Kim Jo-il stated,
Based on these test results, we will propose regulatory improvements to enhance aircraft safety equipment, including fire-resistant gloves, smoke masks, and battery containment pouches.
The findings reinforce ongoing global efforts to mitigate the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in confined spaces such as airplane cabins.
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Fire Safety Test Reveals Risks of Lithium-Ion Battery Failures, source
