Annotated Summary regarding Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs)

 

Wang, Q., Mao, B., Stoliarov, S. I., & Sun, J. (2019). A review of lithium-ion battery failure mechanisms and fire prevention strategies. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 73, 95-131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2019.03.002

In this research article, Wang, Mao, Stoliarov and Sun (2019) explained the importance and dependence on Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), and the shortcoming of LIBs. The article elaborated on some of the reasons behind the exponential growth of the LIB industry, ranging from the use of hybrid electric vehicles in the automotive industry, to use of electrical appliances, and to the positive environmental impact due to the lower carbon dioxide emissions. It addressed that the shortcomings of LIB were due to “narrow operational temperature range and charge/discharge rate”. The thermal runway limits within the LIB are hard to breach with typical usage; however, if the LIB were to be abused, it may swell and ignite, and cause a fire. Nevertheless, each LIB does have fire prevention standards to adhere to, and it will be safe as long as it is manufactured under regulations. However, if the unlikely catastrophic event were to happen, the article recommended the use of a smoke detector for fast and early detection. Consequently, the fire can be quickly extinguished with agents of high heat capacity like water and foam, but such events will only happen to larger-sized LIBs, instead of consumer products.

This article has also improved my understanding of how and why electrical consumer products overheat and catch fire. The article has also raised awareness on why one should not treat their electronic devices complacently and should always store their LIB-based products properly to mitigate the risk of fire. Moreover, they have provided me with useful information regarding fire detection and prevention for my project. The content in this article resonates with me with the fact that one can own multiple electronic in their homes, and each possess a fire risk, even though these risks are minimal . However, one should not be too complacent with their safety, taking account of the fact that there are multiple notable fire cases lately, and electrical appliances with LIBs accounts to most of these cases. Therefore, I feel that this article is a good source for my research to help the reader understand why one should own an HFAD in their homes.

Updated as of 25/11/2020

Read: Angelo, Wei Ying, Bryan