During w/b 24 Feb we did various tests on our 1.7 kWh pouch cell modules. The aim of one set of tests was to measure the volume and rate of production of the vapour cloud in purpose-built equipment. The equipment consisted of a c.a. 20 cm x 30 cm x 40 cm steel box with a pneumatic-driven nail penetration system, with a steel tube leading to a flow meter and exhaust. Thermocouples were placed in the exhaust and into the module. The videos below show the nail penetration and generation of the thick white vapour cloud. About 2 minutes after the end of that video, a thick, brown liquid can be seen. The final video after the vapour cloud clears shows the liquid and contamination in the box. There was a very significant volume of liquid in the box, stainless steel tube and under the box when it was emptied onto the floor. I estimate at least 300 mls. Clearly, the enclosed design allowed heavy organics to condense (we know that long chain organics are produced by the anaerobic reactions up to and during thermal runaway and that there are c.a. 100 organics in trace quantities produced). This links to my post concerning the atypical response shown by victims of smoke/vapour inhalation from lithium-ion batteries. We learned a lot from the tests and intend to take this forward. Collaboration re analysis of the liquid welcome. Thanks to my brilliant Newcastle University team: WojceichMrozik, EmmaShuttleworth, NevilleDickman (who made the equipment and did a BRILLIANT job) and JoeMcDonald. Thanks also to Rich for his ongoing support and thanks to his team. Finally, thanks to Scott for his support and (long suffering) patience, and Shona for her support and kindness.
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✉ e-mail me
📞 + 44 7587 159 875
✉ e-mail me
📞 + 44 7587 159 875
