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Researchers found that certain lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery cells can cause methane explosions in underground coal mines. Specific Li-ion cells pose a significant explosion hazard, while others appear safer under simulated mining conditions.

Keywords:
Batterieselectrical accidentsexplosion protectionfireshazardous areasignitionmining industryoccupational safetystandardization

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Area of Science:

  • Occupational safety and health
  • Materials science
  • Mining engineering

Background:

  • Underground coal mines utilize equipment powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
  • Internal short circuits in Li-ion batteries can lead to thermal runaway, posing a safety risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the thermal runaway susceptibility of Li-ion cells under conditions simulating underground coal mine environments.
  • To determine if specific Li-ion battery chemistries pose an explosion hazard in the presence of methane.

Main Methods:

  • Researchers induced internal short circuits in Li-ion cells using a plastic wedge, a method found to be more severe than the flat plate method.
  • Cell crush tests were performed within a 20-L chamber containing a 6.5% methane-air mixture to simulate mine conditions.

Main Results:

  • LG Chem ICR18650S2 Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO2) cells were found to pose a methane (CH4) explosion hazard when subjected to internal short circuits.
  • A123 Systems 26650 Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) cells demonstrated greater safety compared to the LG Chem cells under the tested conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Certain Li-ion battery cells, specifically the LG Chem ICR18650S2 LiCoO2 type, present a significant explosion risk in methane-containing atmospheres typical of underground coal mines.
  • LiFePO4 battery chemistries, such as the A123 Systems 26650, appear to be a safer alternative for mining equipment applications due to lower explosion risk.