#FunFactFriday: With the need for batteries growing, it's vital we look for ways to enhance their survivability, and self-healing is an excellent step forward! While it's lithium batteries for now, do you think other batteries can be made to self-heal? News Source: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-04-lithium-battery-survives.html
The upshot is, like children, don’t leave lithium battery powered devices in cars in the sun. Once the heat rises outside their operating range, then the chance of failure increases.
https://cybershack.com.au/consumer-advice/spontaneous-car-fires-is-your-smartphone-or-laptop-to-blame-consumer-advice/
#batteryfire #lithiumfire #lithiumbattery
New refinery will extract lithium for EV batteries from oil and gas drilling brine
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/02/03/renewable-energy-lures-new-lithium-venture-to-deep-red-state/
Yet another red-state identity crisis brewing over EVs and renewable energy
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/02/03/renewable-energy-lures-new-lithium-venture-to-deep-red-state/
And yes, I will be looking into #LithiumBattery alternatives for next week's #SolarPunkSunday . Sometimes it's not always about what I want to post about. Yay! #Community!
I was talking to my partner about the #LithiumBattery fire, and he brought up #SodiumIonBatteries as an alternative. There's also progress being made on #SaltWaterBatteries, and Gaia knows we have plenty of that!
It's a bit pricey ($2600 USD), but an #eBike with a #LithiumBattery can go for anywhere between $500 and $2000.
Meet the #PiPop, the #ElectricBike you never need to charge (because it has no #battery)
It's like a regular bike, but better
By Bruce Brown Published July 26, 2024
"Electric bikes are hot and getting hotter in the U.S. In response, e-bike manufacturers frequently introduce new models, all powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. French manufacturer Pi-Pop breaks from traditional electric bike design by using a power source you never need to recharge.
"The eponymous Pi-Pop electric bicycle, now in the third generation, gets riding power assistance from a #supercapacitor that charges while you ride. Like most electric cars, e-bikes with geared or direct drive hubs can regain energy on the go from regeneration while braking. An electric motor reverses energy flow during regeneration, directing the flow back into a battery.
"With Pi-Pop e-bikes, which do not have batteries, regeneration is the only way the onboard supercapacitor gains energy. According to the company, a rider pedaling a Pi-Pop e-bike on flat ground regenerates moderate energy by using a small portion of the rider’s pedaling power to recharge the supercapacitor. Riding the bike downhill when the rider doesn’t need to pedal as hard to maintain speed regenerates more energy than flat ground travel. Applying the Pi-Pop’s brakes restores the greatest energy to the supercapacitor.
"Supercapacitors have several advantages over batteries, primarily charging and discharging speeds and life span. Supercapacitors can store and release energy ten times faster than batteries. Rechargeable batteries have an expected cycle life of 500 to 10,000 charges, but a supercapacitor can be recharged millions of times. Batteries can deliver power over a more extended period between recharging. Still, the superior speed with which a supercapacitor recharges through regeneration can eliminate the need to plug into a power supply.
Reliability of the Pi-Pop
"With the Pi-Pop’s supercapacitor energy regeneration system, there’s no question of range per charge because the e-bike recharges when you’re pedaling or braking. You’ll only use more energy than you regenerate when pedaling uphill.
"The Pi-Pop conforms to the European standard for Level I e-bikes, which means the maximum speed is limited to 25 KMPH (15.5 MPH) with power-assisted pedaling only. The Pi-Pop has no twist or thumb throttle, so you’ll need to pedal for power assistance. The bike’s Aikema electric motor and regenerator are rated at 250 watts and 45 Newton meters of torque. That may not seem like much power, but it’s appropriate given the bike’s roughly 48-pound weight and low-by-U.S.-standards top speed.
"You can shift through seven gears with a Shimano RevoShift shifter and a Shimano Tourney derailleur, all brand-name parts. The adjustable Zoom front fork has up to 45mm travel, which is certainly enough for a bike that won’t be used as an electric mountain bike and rock jumper. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes with 180mm disc rotors are more than adequate.
"The Pi-Pop bike is available in one size with a step-through aluminum frame in white with green accents. There are no other frame sizes, styles, or color choices. Fenders, mudflaps, a kickstand, a headlamp, and a rear rack are all standard.
"If an e-bike that never needs recharging is appealing, you can only buy the Pi-Pop at the company factory on the banks of the Loire River in Olivet, France. The price is 2,450 euros or about $2,600 U.S."
https://www.themanual.com/outdoors/pi-pop-e-bike-no-battery/
#Bicycles #BikePower #NoLithiumMining
No #LithiumBatteries
More of this, please...!
This #eBike Doesn’t Need a Battery
A French inventor has created an e-bike that runs on a #supercapacitor rather than a #LithiumBattery.
By Micah Ling
Published: Dec 07, 2023
"#AdrienLelièvre, has recently engineered a sustainable solution to power the e-bike boom. According to Euronews, Lelièvre 'designed and patented an e-bike called #PiPop, which doesn’t use lithium batteries but supercapacitors.'
"Lelièvre told Euronews, 'The system gets charged when the ride is easy and when the bike brakes—thanks to engine braking—the energy is given back when needed.'
"So, what exactly is a supercapacitor?
"A supercapacitor essentially stocks up energy in the form of a slow-moving charge, which can be released when needed. A battery stocks up energy as a chemical reaction. This means that the bike is constantly stocking up energy when ridden on easier terrain, and then using that energy when going uphill, in the form of an assist.
"According to TS2, 'Supercapacitors, which have been around since the late 1970s, offer several advantages over lithium batteries. Rather than relying on the consumption of natural resources like #lithium or #RareEarthElements, supercapacitors store energy through electrostatic means. This allows them to stock and release energy quickly, providing instant assistance to riders when needed.'
"Unlike many other e-bike manufacturers, Pi-Pop also uses #recyclable materials such as #carbon, conducting polymer, #aluminum foils, and pulp, thus avoiding the need for rare earth elements in its production.
"#TS2 reports that 'the longevity of the Pi-Pop sets it apart from traditional e-bikes. While lithium batteries typically last five to six years, the supercapacitors in the Pi-Pop are projected to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This prolongs the bike’s usability, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact associated with battery disposal.'
"Another perk to the Pi-Pop bike is that there’s never a need to charge it when it’s stationary. You’ll never hop on the bike and realize you forgot to charge it up.
"Euronews reports that according to Lelièvre, 'We can’t innovate if we lose control of production. When we talk about sustainable development, ecological transition, and energy transition, we need to provide the jobs.' Lelièvre’s company employs 25 people.
"Pi-Pop currently produces 100 bikes per month. And moving forward the company aims to produce at least 1,000 bikes per month in 2024."
Source:
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a46064993/this-e-bike-doesnt-need-a-battery/
#Bicycles #BikePower #NoLithiumMining
Not to mention possible #hacking of operating systems -- you know, like the electronic devices in Lebanon?
"The root causes of #BESSfires and explosions can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as:
- Improper design is often a significant issue, where systems may not be sufficiently engineered to withstand operational stresses or may lack essential safety measures.
- Manufacturing defects can also play a critical role, as flaws in the production process may lead to issues during operation.
- Incorrect installation practices can result in connections that are not secure or that lead to short circuits.
- Incompatible components within the systems can further exacerbate risks by causing malfunctions.
- Failures during normal operations—such as overcharging, overheating, or errors in the battery management system—can lead to hazardous situations. These failures may arise from external factors like extreme weather, physical damage, or human errors, including inadequate maintenance.
"It’s important to note that failures can occur in different components of the BESS. While the batteries themselves often receive the most attention with respect to safety concerns, other critical aspects, such as control systems, transformers, fire suppression systems, and cooling mechanisms, can also play significant roles in influencing the overall safety of the system.
"For instance, if control systems are not programmed or calibrated correctly, they may fail to monitor and manage battery performance effectively, leading to overheating or even thermal runaway. Similarly, inadequately designed fire suppression systems may not activate promptly in the event of a fire, allowing the situation to escalate. Additionally, ineffective cooling mechanisms can contribute to excessive heat buildup."
https://www.gexcon.com/blog/battery-energy-storage-system-bess-fire-and-explosion-prevention/
#LithiumBattery #LithiumBatteries #LithiumBatteryFires
BESS Failure Incident Database
The database compiles information about stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) failure incidents. There are two tables in this database:
- Stationary Energy Storage Failure Incidents – this table tracks utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) failures.
- Other Storage Failure Incidents – this table tracks incidents that do not fit the criteria for the first table. This could include failures involving the manufacturing, transportation, storage, and recycling of energy storage.
Residential energy storage system failures are not currently tracked.
If you would like to be notified when a new event is added to this database or are interested in other EPRI energy storage safety research resources and opportunities please reach out to Storage-Safety@epri.com. For more information on energy storage safety, visit the Storage Safety Wiki Page.
The BESS Failure Incident Database was initiated in 2021 as part of a wider suite of BESS safety research after the concentration of lithium ion BESS fires in South Korea and the Surprise, AZ, incident in the US. The database was created to inform energy storage industry stakeholders and the public on BESS failures.
Read more:
https://storagewiki.epri.com/index.php/BESS_Failure_Incident_Database
#LithiumBattery #LithiumBatteries #LithiumBatteryFires #BESSFires
Alrighty then. In addition to some suggestions from folks for topics for this week's #SolarPunkSunday, I'm going to spend some time researching and posting about #LithiumBattery alternatives -- and yes, there are some out there!
#LithiumBatteries #LithiumBatteryFire #Lithium #NoLithiumMining
‘Out of control’: #LithiumBattery energy storage site catches fire in #California, forcing mass evacuation, reports say
Published: Jan. 17, 2025
"A major fire erupted at a battery energy storage site (BESS) in California on Thursday, forcing a mass evacuation and a call for residents in neighboring towns to shut their windows and stay indoors to avoid the #ToxicSmoke, according to recent reports."
https://www.silive.com/news/2025/01/out-of-control-battery-energy-storage-site-catches-fire-in-california-forcing-mass-evacuation-reports-say.html
#MontereyCalifornia #LithiumFire #Airquality #ToxicAir #MossLandingPowerPlant #MossLanding #BESSFires
Thinking about the issue with those lithium cells in Lebanese hand-held radios… Pandora's box truly has been opened now.
This attack serves as a proof-of-concept, and the rough concept is now in the public domain. The implications are likely to be far reaching and potentially devastating.
I think a few things may need to happen as a result of this…
1. The people responsible need to be found, investigated, and dealt with. Any idea that this is an acceptable form of "warfare" must be swiftly condemned in the strongest terms.
2. We may have to "standardise" the form factor of lithium cells, with a view that this is a user-replaceable part. Products using these will then be shipped around the globe _without_ a battery in the package… the end user then buys a cell from a local vendor (who has responsibility for their supply chain).
3. We may need to consider on-shore manufacturing of lithium cells to ensure a viable supply of 'safe' components.
So, what's scary about #Israeli #Malware #Pager attack stuff is that ANY device with a #LithiumBattery could potentially be set to explode by malware. Not on the scale perhaps as those with explosive devices, but Lithium batteries themselves are potentially explosive devices. Israel has just opened up a whole NEW can of worms that I'm sure everyone is going to copy now. YIKES!
#CyberWarfare #Smartphones #LionBatteries #CyberTerrorism
So #LithiumBattery fires at #SolarFarms are a thing. And NOT a good thing (toxic releases when #Lithium burns). Considering that and all the pollution, water usage, environmental destruction and potential cultural genocide from #LithiumMining (since many places rich in lithium are where #Indigenous peoples live and worship), we should figure out lithium alternatives ASAP! Yes, we should go #solar, #wind, #tidal, #geothermal, etc., but only after considering ALL of hazards -- and not just give into #Greenwashing hype, which is all about making a buck and #Capitalism -- not real, sustainable, solutions!
And now I know how to deal with a #LithiumBattery fire!
What causes #LithiumIonBattery fires? Why are they so intense? And how should they be fought? An expert explains
By Muhammad Rizwan Azhar
Published: September 28, 2023
"For standard #lithium-ion battery fires, the sprinkling of fine water mist may be used to suppress the fire. On the other hand, experts recommend using specially-designed #ClassD fire extinguishers for solid-state lithium-metal battery fires – or dry chemical fire extinguishers that are appropriate for electrical fires.
"These contain substances, such as sodium chloride powder or pressurised argon, that can combat the challenges posed by solid-state batteries. Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the fire. Similarly, argon is an inert and non-flammable gas which can help put out fires by suffocating oxygen.
"That brings us to the aftermath of the fire – and another often-overlooked hazard: #ToxicFumes. When lithium-ion batteries catch fire in a car or at a storage site, they don’t just release smoke; they emit a cocktail of dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride.
"These fumes can be hazardous to your health, especially when inhaled in significant quantities. This is why these battery fires are a particular concern in confined spaces such as a garage, where noxious gases can accumulate quickly."
Solid state battery plot thickens
#catl #saic #china #evs #electricvehicles #electriccars #evbatteries #evbattery #solidstate #energystorage #energy #electricity #electrification #transportation #decarbonization #innovation #lithiumbattery #lithium #cars #automotive #autoindustry #automakers
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/03/27/im-motors-teases-solid-state-ev-battery-catl-not-convinced/
What's the correct/best MO for extended Battery Life? Let it run on batteries at night and recharge them from Solar in the morning >>or<< changeover to Mains at night and keep the batteries fully charged? #Solar #PV #BalconySolar #LiFePO #LiFePO4 #LithiumBattery #LithiumBatteries #Photovoltaik
New solid state battery: Look ma, no dendrites!
#solidstate #battery #batteries #energystorage #lithiumbattery #lithiumion #electricvehicles #science #research #innovation #ivyleague #harvard #evs #electricvehicles #electriccars #decarbonization #decarbonisation
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/01/08/harvard-spinoff-solid-state-battery-electric-vehicles/
I've been finding more of these damaged devices discarded within a 0.5 km radius of a #JohnLewis department store. Two in the last week.
They have a CR2450 #lithiumBattery, an inductor+capacitor tank circuit, a strange 3 terminal inductor, and piezo disc. Probably a far less reliable source for harvesting electronic components than disassembing used vape devices.
Wonder what would happen if I carry that LC oscillator component into John Lewis
