The Federal Government and Alternative Energy
Here are summaries of some of the most severe fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in the latter half of 2023 and in 2024 up until May 17, 2024:
1. Sydney, Australia (March 15, 2024): Fire and Rescue NSW responded to four separate lithium-ion battery fires in one day. These included a fire at an electric vehicle charging station, a tradesman's toolbox igniting, a garbage truck fire, and an e-bike fire in an apartment building. FRNSW has recorded 63 lithium-ion battery fires this year, with seven injuries reported. (Fire and Rescue NSW)
2. Massachusetts, USA (April 17, 2024): Over the past six months, 50 lithium-ion battery fires have been tracked in Massachusetts. This number is more than double the annual average. A notable incident involved an apartment building fire in Medford caused by an e-bike battery that combusted while charging. (Yahoo)
3. London, UK (2024): London firefighters have been dealing with a significant number of fires related to lithium-ion batteries, particularly in e-bikes and e-scooters. This increase has been noted alongside growing concerns about the risks these batteries pose in both residential and workplace settings. (British Safety Council)
4. Various Locations (April 2024): Phoenix, Arizona, has reported a total of 93 fires where lithium-ion batteries were identified at the origin. These fires have involved devices such as e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, power tools, and electric vehicles. (Fire and Rescue NSW)
5. Harlem, New York City (February 23, 2024) A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike caused a devastating apartment fire in Harlem, resulting in the death of a journalist and leaving others critically injured. This incident highlighted the growing issue of battery-related fires in New York City, which has seen a significant increase in such incidents in recent years. (Yahoo News)
6. Chinatown, New York City (June 20, 2023) Although just before 2024, the aftermath and policy responses continued into 2024. A fire in an e-bike shop quickly spread to upper-floor apartments, killing four people and seriously injuring two others. This tragic event led to increased calls for stricter regulations on lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and other micro-mobility devices. (Yahoo News)
New York City (January - May 2024) Throughout early 2024, New York City has experienced numerous lithium-ion battery fires. By mid-May, there had been over 100 such incidents resulting in 13 deaths, significantly up from the previous year. These fires have primarily been linked to e-bikes and other electric micro mobility devices. (Yahoo News)
I. THE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
The information listed above paints a dangerous picture concerning the use of a lithium-ion battery. Now, in addition to the above information, concerning just the lithium-ion battery, we need to consider what the Smart Meter’s influence will have on the spread of the lithium-ion batteries around the world.
II. THE LITHIUM ION BATTERY AND THE SMART METER
One of the first questions to deal with involving the lithium-ion battery and Smart Meter relationship, is where the lithium-ion battery is located.
In the Smart Meter the lithium-ion battery is placed inside the Smart Meter’s operating components; we have a situation in which the different Smart Meter manufacturers can place the battery in different positions within the Meter.
III. THERMAL RUNAWAY-
Before you ask Thermal Runaway is not the name of a Country and Western Group. It Is something much more dangerous. The Fire Protection Association of Great Britain provides the following definition of how the lithium-ion battery can ignite:
“ Lithium-ion battery cells combine a flammable electrolyte with significant stored energy, and if a lithium-ion battery cell creates more heat than it can effectively disperse, it can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as ‘thermal runaway’, that can result in a fire or explosion.
Thermal runaway can be caused by a number reasons, including an internal short circuit due to manufacturing defects, ’lithium plating’ (formation of metallic lithium on an anode surface within a battery cell), or mechanical damage (e.g. piercing, dropping). Other possible causes of thermal runaway are exposure to heat from an external source or overcharging/over-discharging.
Thermal runaway can result in the ejection of a range of flammable and toxic gases from battery casings. The flammable gases generated often ignite immediately, but may also spread out un-ignited, until an external ignition source is encountered, resulting in an explosion.
Lithium-ion battery fires generate their own oxygen and can be very difficult to extinguish. Specialist Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) fire extinguishers may be an option for small incipient fires, where extinguishing media can be applied directly to the cells of a battery, providing a combination of cooling and oxygen depletion, but these fires are very often only controlled and extinguished when the Fire & Rescue Service deliver copious amounts of water to the burning materials.”
Based upon the information concerning the failures of the Smart Meters and the volatile lithium-ion batteries within them further sale of these items needs to be stopped, and the problems corrected.
In my mind I always go back to the 1960’s Ford Pinto. The problem was pointed out to the manufacturer however, they reasoned the amounts paid out in death benefits did not exceed the profits from the sale of the vehicle. It was not until an estimated 117 lawsuits were filed against Ford that positive action was taken.
Once again, I need to ask, “how many lives will be taken so we can turn on our T.V. set, or load the latest PlayStation?
Respectfully Submitted,
Norman Lambe
nwlambe@gmail.com