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Lithium-ion battery fires and explosions: what we have learned so far 

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Published: Oct 23, 2024

Professor Paul Christensen, Chair of Pure and Applied Electrochemistry at Newcastle University, is an expert in lithium-ion batteries and was the opening keynote speaker at the Electric Vehicle maritime safety conference. He began his presentation by outlining the risks and hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly in Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Alongside fire, there are significant hazards, including toxic fumes, vapour clouds (often mistaken for smoke), blowtorch-like flames, vapour explosions, and battery explosions. These hazards differ from those associated with conventional vehicles (with internal combustion engines), particularly due to the substantial risk of reignition, even after the initial fire has been extinguished.

Prof. Christensen illustrated his talk with videos showing EVs involved in fires and the subsequent explosions. He discussed the challenges of tackling EV fires, highlighting that traditional firefighting methods may not be effective in stopping thermal runaway and can switch the hazard from fire to explosion. He outlined different firefighting methods, such as fire blankets and direct water injection, while explaining their limitations in halting thermal runaway.

After explaining the effects of possible inhalation of the toxic gases contained in the vapour, Paul called on the maritime industry to do more to protect workers:

Photographs of the Felicity Ace and the Fremantle Highway car carriers showed the extent of fire damage and tragically, in the case of the Fremantle Highway, one crew member lost their life emphasising the particular challenges of managing EV fires aboard ships, noting the potential for vapour cloud explosions on vehicle decks within vessels and the need for crew members to be trained on these risks and the correct responses.

“Training is essential for everybody; educate the public, train everybody”

Stating: “Training is essential for everybody; educate the public, train everybody,” Prof. Christensen stressed the importance of training and education — not only for firefighters and ship crews but also for the general public and those involved in the transportation and handling of EVs.

He concluded by calling for better collaboration between the marine industry, fire services, and regulatory bodies to address these challenges and provide improved regulations and standards for the safe transport and storage of EVs on ships.

The lively Q&A session following his presentation touched on topics such as training, decontamination of firefighting equipment and PPE, the effect of battery charge levels on fire risk, and the dangers posed by damaged battery packs.

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