Failures analysis and improvement lifetime of lead acid battery in different applications:
The paper identifies the critical failure modes of lead-acid batteries in different applications (UPS, renewable energy, traction) and proposes solutions to improve their lifetime. The main degradation modes are sulfation, stratification, corrosion, non-cohesion,
and loss of electrical connection. Each application experiences these failures differently.
To address these issues, the paper recommends:
Manufacturing improvements: Using higher quality materials, optimizing production processes, and tailoring battery design to specific applications.
Operational strategies: Implementing proper maintenance, energy management systems, and multistep charging cycles to prevent degradation.
By implementing these recommendations, the paper suggests that organizations can significantly extend the lifespan and improve the reliability of their lead-acid batteries, leading to cost savings and improved performance in various applications. Future research could focus on developing even more advanced battery technologies and exploring alternative materials to further enhance battery life and performance.
IMCA Safety Flash:
This IMCA Safety Flash highlights several safety incidents reported by members and provides recommendations for preventing similar occurrences. The incidents range from fatal injuries to equipment failures and safety protocol violations.
This IMCA Safety Flash summarizes six safety incidents reported by members. Incidents include a fatal crush injury during cargo operations, a fire alarm with a disabled audible alarm, misuse of a pneumatic line thrower for mooring, challenges with COVID-19 management onboard a vessel, a lead-acid battery explosion, and significant sludge accumulation in a freshwater tank. The Safety Flash provides details about the incidents, investigates what went wrong and offers recommendations to prevent similar occurrences. For example, the report recommends proper communication during deck operations, enforcing drug and alcohol policies, ensuring proper maintenance of fire alarms, and using mooring equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
Explosion of a lead/acid battery due to electrostatic charging:
A 12 volt heavy duty lead-acid battery exploded when an operator peeled off a label attached to the side of the battery case. This investigation showed that the label removal could charge the internal conducting parts of the battery to in excess of 8 kV. There were a number of possible sources of ignition but the one considered most likely was a discharge between the operator's hand and the internal parts of the battery; this discharge passed through a hole or imperfection in the upper part of the plastic case and tracked across the acid wetted inner surfaces. This tracking being in contact with the hydrogen/oxygen mixture inside the battery caused the mixture to ignite.
Fatal consequences of lead pollution in Bangladesh:
Background:
Bangladesh has been grappling with a significant lead pollution crisis, primarily due to unregulated industrial activities, the use of lead-based paints and batteries, and improper waste management. This pollution poses a severe threat to public health, particularly to children, whose developing bodies are highly susceptible to the toxic effects of lead.
Case Study
A study conducted in a rural community in Bangladesh revealed alarming levels of lead exposure among children. Blood tests showed that a significant number of children had blood lead levels well above the recommended safe limit set by the World Health Organization. Symptoms observed in these children included learning difficulties, behavioral problems, anemia, and fatigue. The battery monitoring system can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of lead pollution from lead-acid batteries (LABs) in Bangladesh. It can detect faulty batteries early, optimize charging and discharging processes, ensure efficient recycling, provide real-time data analysis and reporting, and integrate with battery management systems to improve overall system efficiency and reduce lead emissions. By implementing effective battery monitoring systems, Bangladesh can significantly reduce the risk of lead pollution from LABs, protect public health, and promote sustainable battery management practices.
What’s behind South Korea’s battery fire accidents?
The string of battery fires in South Korea between 2017 and 2019 led to a complete paralysis of the nation's energy storage market. The government's investigation identified several potential causes, including manufacturing defects, inadequate protection, poor installation practices, and issues with combining components from different manufacturers. However, new research from UNIST suggests that social factors also played a significant role in the accidents. These factors include strong incentives, inadequate regulation, cultural differences, miscommunication, pressure for profit, and a false sense of security. The research highlights the importance of considering social factors in understanding and preventing technology-related accidents.