29 ION-LINE ventilation system To ensure students learn how to handle batteries correctly right from the start, they are taught about the dangers associated with using these batteries. “I would say we go to the safety storage cabinet 3 to 4 times a day to retrieve batteries and work with them during class time. After classes end, the batteries are then stored safely in the cabinet again so they are ready for the next day” reports James Screaton. At least 20 batteries need to be available at all times to ensure all students can work with the lithium-ion batteries during a course. After the course ends, these are charged simultaneously in the ION-LINE safety storage cabinet for the next day. Heat is produced during the charging process; this is dissipated from the interior of the cabinet using a plug-and-play technical extraction unit that can be mounted to corresponding ION-LINE models. This approach reliably prevents heat accumulation which could cause the batteries to heat up further – ultimately resulting in a loss of performance, premature wear, or even dangerous situations like thermal runaway or an explosion. In addition, the shelves of the ION-LINE cabinet series are perforated, ensuring proper air circulation inside the cabinet. If a fire does break out inside the cabinet, for instance due to a defective battery, the technical ventilation switches off automatically thanks to the integrated electronics and sensors, and the fire is kept inside the cabinet. Toxic substances In addition to a fire, the destruction of a lithium-ion cell poses another danger for the environment. Lithium-ion cells begin to chemically decompose at 80 °C. If the cell overheats and catches fire, toxic substances such as electrolyte and solvent vapours, as well as hydrogen chloride, are released from PVC lines. These flue gases, as well as other hazardous and polluting substances like hydrogen fluoride or caustic phosphoric acid, are released. ION-LINE safety storage cabinets are equipped with features like bottom collecting sumps for such cases, so that these liquid pollutants cannot escape the inside of the cabinet. Project summary Company: University of Sheffield Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom Industry: Education and research institution Application: Teaching material “Lithium-ion batteries are a part of our everyday studies...”
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