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Malcolm Wise

Assessing the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

Email: [email protected]

Project title

Thermal and safety aspects of lithium-ion batteries

Supervisors

Project description

The project will investigate how temperature instigates thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. I will also consider the safety implications on the user and emergency responders.

I will ignite lithium-ion batteries and measure the temperature at which ignition occurs using a thermal imaging camera. I will use the data from these experiments to determine the exact conditions necessary for thermal runaway.

I will take water samples from the run-off water used to extinguish the fires. I will test the samples for any chemicals that are a danger to human health and the environment.

I will also test the gas emitted from the fires for substances that are a danger to human health. This will inform fire-fighters of how to tackle a lithium-ion fire in a safe manner.

The research will aid in the development of UK legislation for the use, transport and storage of lithium-ion batteries..

Qualifications

BEng Chemical Engineering, Newcastle University