Hello solar enthusiasts! I’m back again with another deep dive into the solar industry and the incredible advances that are being made. Today we’re focusing on an exciting development by LG Chem which addresses a significant issue that has been plaguing lithium-ion battery technology: thermal runaway. LG Chem’s team has developed a unique solution involving a new material innovation they have termed a temperature-responsive Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL). But before we dive into the nitty-gritty of this technology, let’s understand what thermal runaway is.
In layman’s terms, thermal runaway refers to a situation where an increase in temperature changes the conditions in a way that causes a further increase in temperature, often leading to a destructive result. It’s a significant issue for solar companies worldwide as it can lead to hazardous “thermal events,” potentially escalating to full combustion.
Now, this is where LG Chem’s revolutionary innovation comes into play. The SRL, developed by their Platform Technology R&D team, acts like a “fuse” for lithium-ion batteries, blocking the flow of electricity during the early stages of overheating. This could be the game-changing detail that solar companies have been looking for, paving the way for more reliable solar panels for your home.
The SRL isn’t some chunky, intrusive piece of technology. Instead, it’s a thin layer (just about one hundredth the thickness of a human hair) situated between the cathode layer and the current collector. A really neat feature of this Safety Reinforced Layer is its capacity to change its electrical resistance based on temperature. When the temperature rises beyond the standard range, SRL alters its molecular structure to significantly suppress the flow of current.
What’s even more impressive is how “smart” this material is. For every 1°C rise in temperature, the electrical resistance of the material increases by 5000 ohms. And when the temperature drops back to normal, it has the incredible ability to reverse, allowing the current flow to return to normal. This high responsiveness and reversibility of SRL are tremendous step forwards in improving the safety of solar technology.
Tests have shown exceptionally promising results for this technology. In battery impact and penetration tests, batteries equipped with the thermal runaway suppression material either did not catch fire or extinguished the flames quickly, preventing a full-blown thermal runaway event.
Looking at the specific tests, a nail penetration test involving mobile lithium cobalt oxide batteries saw no fire incidents in batteries with the thermal runaway suppression material, while standard batteries had a 16% fire outbreak. Additionally, an impact test on nickel cobalt manganese batteries for electric vehicles showed that 70% of the batteries equipped with the thermal runaway suppression material did not ignite at all.
The use of this temperature-responsive Safety Reinforced Layer could genuinely be a game-changer in the solar industry. Remember, solar power isn’t just about harnessing the sun’s energy; it’s also about storing that energy efficiently and safely. As we keep improving the safety measures in place for solar technology, the potential for mainstream adoption of solar panels for your home increases.
As you explore solar companies to deploy your solar array for home, keep an eye out for innovations like this. Safety advancements contribute significantly to the reliability and appeal of solar energy, bringing us one step closer to a clean and sustainable future. Until next time, stay sunny!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/10/01/lg-chem-develops-material-capable-of-suppressing-thermal-runaway-in-batteries/
