LG Chem's breakthrough may transform battery safety standards
A new technology developed by LG Chem scientists could revolutionise battery safety. An innovative protective layer that reacts to temperature is a potential solution that would provide electric car users with greater peace of mind and trust in their vehicles.
3 October 2024 11:49
Although rare, battery fires in electric cars raise significant concerns. They are usually caused by overheating the batteries, which can lead to serious risks. However, Scientists are working on innovative solutions to eliminate this issue. LG Chem has developed a breakthrough technology that allows better battery temperature control, reducing the risk of fires. Will this innovation truly solve the problem once and for all?
Electric car fires - what causes them?
Fires in electric car batteries are a concern for users and manufacturers. While not common, they can be very difficult to manage. The main cause is overheating lithium-ion batteries due to manufacturing errors, mechanical damage, or electrical system failures. High temperatures lead to what's known as a thermal runaway, an uncontrollable rise in temperature within the battery cells, which can result in ignition.
In addition to thermal runaway, fires can be caused by short circuits resulting from physical damage, such as traffic collisions. In such cases, direct contact between the anode and cathode leads to an immediate rise in temperature and potential ignition. Another risk factor is overloading the battery or errors in energy management systems, which do not properly control the current flow, causing overheating of individual cells. All these elements together create a risk that requires advanced technological solutions to prevent fires.
Will the new technology prevent fires?
Scientists have developed a modern solution that could significantly reduce the risk of electric car battery fires. In collaboration with Professor Lee Minah's team, LG Chem has created the Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL). This innovative material acts like a "fuse" that reacts to rising temperatures. When the battery starts to overheat, the SRL layer blocks the current flow, preventing further temperature increases and thereby minimising the risk of ignition.
This material is extremely thin — about 0.001 millimetres thick, making it virtually invisible yet exceptionally effective. Placing it between the cathode layer and the current collector protects at the early stages of overheating, which can prevent serious failures that have historically led to fires.
