Size distribution and composition of particles during lithium-ion battery cell failure

conference proceedings

English

The increasing use of electric vehicles in road transport throughout Europe, including the Czech Republic, brings new risks associated with the behavior of battery systems, which can be a source of poorly extinguishable fires or even explosions. Both of these cases can also lead to the release of hazardous substances into the environment. In the event of a battery cell failure, an uncontrolled exothermic reaction known as thermal runaway occurs. The emitted solid particles during a fire are of various sizes and distributions, and can thus pose a significant toxic burden on the human body. Current scientific studies and literature mainly focus on gaseous emissions (particularly CO2, CO, and H2), hydrocarbons, and toxic compounds. However, there are limited studies that investigate the characteristics of emitted solid particles in terms of their size distribution. Conducting systematic research in this field and identifying the risks associated with the presence of individuals near such fires is crucial for ensuring safety in electric vehicle fires. Our work focuses on characterizing the composition and size distribution of emitted solid particles during controlled battery cell accidents under various conditions. The released solid particles during combustion are captured and sorted by size using a cascade impactor, and subsequently chemically analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Specifically, the Dekati HT-DLPI+ cascade impactor is used to determine the particle distribution, with particles from each stage subjected to gravimetric analysis and used for chemical analysis to determine the content of risk elements. The ContrAA instrument based on AAS with either an electrothermal or flame atomizer is used for the analysis. The results obtained from the conducted analyses will serve for evaluating the risks of released smoke during lithium-ion battery fires, particularly for firefighting personnel. They will also contribute to improving safety in the rapidly developing field of electromobility.

lithium-ion batteries, emissions, particulate matter, AAS, thermal runaway

MAYEROVÁ, K.; PREISLER, L.; JONÁŠOVÁ, S.; POSPÍŠIL, J.; SVĚRÁK, T.

15. 5. 2023

Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology STU in Bratislava

Tatranské Matliare

978-808208-101-8

PROCEEDINGS 49th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering SSCHE 2023

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