Dreamliner first commercial aircraft to use Lithium ion batteries, with their overheating risk

It’s not yet clear whether the problems in the 787s originated with the batteries themselves. Faults in the electronic controls have been implicated in other lithium-ion battery fires. According to reports, inspectors found liquid leaking from the 787’s batteries after the forced landing in Japan. The battery was also discolored, but it wasn’t clear if it had caught fire. Lithium-ion batteries have been known to cause fires in cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. But such problems are rare, and usually result from damage to the battery—such as piercing or overcharging—or problems with the manufacturing process that introduce flaws in the cells. According to the website of the company that supplied the Dreamliner batteries, these use lithium cobalt oxide electrodes. These are known for high-energy storage capacity, but other battery chemistries, such as lithium iron phosphate, are more resistant to overheating. Because of safety concerns, many electric vehicle makers have shifted to alternative chemistries, sacrificing some energy storage capacity. The Dreamliner is the first commercial aircraft to use lithium ion batteries.


Grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners Use Batteries Prone to Overheating

A fire last week and a forced landing today have brought the possibility of such problems to the forefront.

Burned battery: This lithium-ion battery from a 787 Dreamliner caught fire in a plane traveling from Tokyo to Boston last week.
It’s not yet clear whether the problems in the 787s originated with the batteries. Faults in the electronic controls have been implicated in other lithium-ion battery fires.

According to reports, inspectors found liquid leaking from the 787’s batteries after the forced landing in Japan today. The battery was also discolored, but it wasn’t clear if it had caught fire.

Two major safety incidents involving Boeing 787 Dreamliners have caused two Japanese airlines to ground their fleets of the aircraft. The problems may be linked to a battery chemistry that’s particularly prone to causing fires.

Earlier today, a plane in Japan was forced to make an emergency landing after reports of a battery warning light and burning smell.

Last week, a battery caught fire on a plane on the ground in Boston. In both cases, the problems may be related to Boeing’s decision to use a kind of lithium-ion battery chemistry that overheats and catches fire more readily than others.

Lithium-ion batteries have been known to cause fires in cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. But such problems are extremely rare, and usually result from damage to the battery—such as piercing or overcharging—or problems with the manufacturing process that introduce flaws in the cells.

Boeing’s 787 is the first commercial aircraft to use lithium-ion batteries, according to GS Yuasa, the Japanese battery manufacturer that supplies the batteries. The company also supplies batteries for the International Space Station and electric railcars, among other applications.

The chemistry—and safety—of lithium-ion batteries varies. According to GS Yuasa’s website, the batteries it uses for Boeing’s 787 use lithium cobalt oxide electrodes. These are known for high-energy storage capacity, but other battery chemistries, such as lithium iron phosphate, are more resistant to overheating.

Because of safety concerns, many electric vehicle makers have shifted to alternative chemistries, sacrificing some energy storage capacity.

Because the electrolyte materials used are flammable, no lithium-ion batteries are completely safe. Some companies are developing a version that doesn’t use these electrolytes (see “Solid-State Batteries”). Consequently, battery makers install various safety features, including electronics designed to prevent overcharging. They also often include sensors and cooling systems.

According to GS Yuasa (copied below), its battery for the 787 “comes with battery management electronics which guarantees multiple levels of safety features.” Aspecification sheet for the batteries warns, “Inappropriate handling or application of the cells can result in reduced cell life and performance, electrolyte leakage, high cell temperatures, and even the possibility of smoke generation and fire.”

Boeing declined to comment on its selection of battery chemistries. A spokesperson says it is aware of the incident in Japan and is working with the airline and regulatory bodies to address it.

 http://www.technologyreview.com/news/509981/grounded-boeing-787-dreamliners-use-batteries-prone-to-overheating/

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The GS Yuasa website boasts: First lithum batteries on a commercial airliner

http://www.gsyuasa-lp.com/

GS Yuasa’s lithium ion cells were chosen for the Electrical Power Conversion System in Boeing’s next generation commercial airliner, the 787 Dreamliner. This contract is a historic first as it marks the first commercial aviation application of Li-ion technology anywhere in the world. Partnering with Thales Alenia for the battery system electronics and integration, GS Yuasa’s lithium ion cells will play a key role in on-board power, providing both Auxiliary Power Unit start and emergency power back-up capabilities.

The battery can charge from 0 to 90% in only 75 minutes and comes with battery management electronics which guarantees multiple levels of safety features. The rugged prismatic sealed battery design is capable of withstanding extreme operating conditions far greater than those normally seen in commercial aircraft operation and requires absolutely no maintenance.

The LVP Lithium Ion Rechargeable cell is optimized for high reliability and low maintenance use in Aircraft battery systems. The cell design is based on our state of the art technology and extensive experience in manufacturing cells for space applications and large-scale industrial batteries.

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Applications:
Aircraft APU Starting
Back-up Flight Control Electronics
Other high reliability applications

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Features:
High energy density
Excellent discharge characteristics
Sealed structure
Low self discharge
No need for maintenance such as electrolyte filling or conditioning cycles.
http://www.gsyuasa-lp.com/aviation-lithium-batteries

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Thales selects GS Yuasa for Lithium ion battery system in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner

June 12, 2005,

http://www.s399157097.onlinehome.us/PDFS/BoeingPR_06_12_2005.pdf

 

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