LG Chem Makes EVs Safer by Stopping Thermal Runaway
LG Chem has announced a major advancement for the EV industry.
The company’s dedicated Platform Technology R&D crew has pioneered a groundbreaking solution for thermal runaway, a common concern with EVs.
Thermal runaway occurs when an EV battery's anode and cathode inadvertently connect, instigating a short circuit that causes the battery to burst into a blaze.
Temperatures can rise as high as 1000 degrees celsius.
LG Chem in response to this has created a material solution that inhibits thermal runaway.
It’s a composite material tailored to drastically change its electrical resistance with temperature shifts, serving as an emergency "fuse" to curtail electricity flow in critical times.
Tests simulating battery impacts and penetrations demonstrated that batteries fortified with this novel material either avoided ignition or swiftly extinguished any building flames.
This signifies a transformative leap forward for the EV sector, with Professor Lee Minah from OSTECH’s Department of Battery Engineering alongside LG Energy Solution confirming the validity of the material.
LG Chem's innovation is the result of talented and bright minds within the organisation.
The anti-thermal runaway material is just 1 micrometer thick and sits in between the cathode layer and the current collector within the battery.
Upon temperature spikes between 90°C and 130°C, this material alters its molecular configuration in response, hindering current flow.
With a high sensitivity to temperature changes, the material's resistance amplifies by 5,000 ohms for every 1°C increment, making it capable of handling extraordinary heat.
This resistance reverts as temperatures cool, resuming normal electricity flow and showcasing the material’s resilience.
Six reasons why thermal runaway is such a problem
Thermal runaway in EV batteries poses severe safety hazards and impedes performance, impacting the experience and adoption of technology in six critical ways.
1. Imminent Safety Perils
Fire and Explosion
Excessive heat can ignite the battery’s electrolyte or precipitate gas accumulation, leading to fires or explosions. These fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, with risks of re-ignition due to residual internal heat.
Toxic Gases
Overheating lithium-ion batteries emit hazardous, flammable gases like hydrogen fluoride, endangering passengers and responders.
2. Propagation Risks and Chain Reactions
Cell-to-Cell Spread
One cell's thermal runaway can quickly affect neighboring cells, complicating containment and escalating fires.
Unrestrained Energy Discharge
A vast energy release in seconds exacerbates the failure’s impact.
3. Detriments to Battery and Efficiency
Diminished Battery Lifespan
Heat accelerates battery wear, curtailing its life and efficiency, thus degrading performance and driving range.
Efficiency Compromises
Even absent thermal runaway, excess heat impairs battery performance and charging efficacy, affecting EV dependability.
4. Negative Influence on Vehicle Dynamics
Sudden Power Cessation
Thermal runaway might provoke immediate power loss or battery deactivation, endangering vehicular control.
Restricted Charging Speed
Efficient cooling is vital for rapid EV charging, as overheating risks can necessitate charging slowdowns, influencing charging periods.
5. Hurdles in Prevention and Mitigation
Advanced Cooling Mechanisms
Managing operational and charging heat in EVs demands elaborate cooling systems, adding weight and complexity.
Investment in Safety Provisions
Adopting thermal management systems, sensors, and fire-resistant materials to lessen thermal runaway risks upscales vehicle costs.
6. User Anxiety
Public Image
High-profile incidents of thermal runaway fires in EVs, including Tesla models, have increased user apprehensions about EV safety.
Envisioning a Safer EV Future
Addressing thermal runaway's challenge marks a significant triumph for the EV manufacturing industry.
With LG Chem's innovation, we're stepping into an era of safer, more efficient EVs boasting prolonged battery lifespans.
Dispelling myths and addressing public concerns about EV technology will be pivotal in accelerating its widespread acceptance.
Thanks to LG Chem's efforts in negating the risk of thermal runaway, a safer, more reliable EV future is on the horizon.
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