As the energy capacity of new lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) hitting the marketplace increases, the risk of battery fires and explosions increases with it. While these fires or explosions are uncommon, the consequences can be devastating. Battery forensics
and post-incident investigations are essential for identifying the root cause of a battery failure. Determining and understanding the underlying reasons for these events helps battery scientists create safer and more reliable batteries and enables
regulatory agencies to develop safety standards and regulations. CET’s Inaugural Post-Incident Forensics & Investigations symposium convenes forensic scientists, regulatory authorities, cell manufacturers, fire safety investigators, and
insurance companies to facilitate dynamic discussions on integrating LIBs safely into our mobile society.
Final Agenda
8:00 am Morning Coffee
8:30 Organizer’s Welcome
Mary Ann Brown, Executive Director, Conferences, Cambridge EnerTech
8:35 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Kevin Fok, Director, Operations, LG Chem
8:45 Experimental Investigation of Thermal Failure Propagation through Lithium-Ion Cell Arrays
Stanislav I. Stoliarov,
PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland
To better understand the cascading failure process, a set of experiments was conducted in a small wind tunnel where 18650 form factor cells were arranged into a densely packed array and a failure of one cell was triggered using an electric heater. The
dynamics of the propagation were quantified together with thermal energy release. In addition, the yields of oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, total hydrocarbons and hydrogen were measured; corresponding fire hazards were assessed.
9:15 Laser-Synchronized Imaging of Explosions
Kevin L. McNesby,
PhD, Team Leader, Detonation Science Team, Energetics Technology Branch, Lethality Division, Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, US Army Research Laboratory
The presentation focuses on methods of imaging explosions of solid energetic materials using camera-synchronized laser illumination. The techniques presented allow for mapping of temperature, pressure, chemical species, and energy deposition during and
following detonations of explosives, using high-speed cameras as the main diagnostic tool.
9:45 Forensics Investigation of Advanced Battery Packs
Bryan Schultz, Spiers New Technologies
We discuss lessons learned from doing repair, reman and repurpose of advanced battery packs. As the leader in life cycle management of high-voltage battery packs, Bryan Schultz talks about lessons learned from studying post-incident batteries.
10:15 Late Breaking Presentation
10:30 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
11:00 PANEL DISCUSSION: E-Cigarette Case Study
Although rare, lithium-ion battery safety incidents can happen. This panel dives into how the lessons learned from these safety incidents and subsequent litigation lead to new battery standards and regulations.
Moderator: Robert Foster, JD, Marketing Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
Panelists: Joe Nowikowski, Division Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
Additional Panelists to be Announced
12:00 pm Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)
12:30 Session Break
12:45 Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
1:15 Session Break
2:00 Chairperson’s Remarks
Robert Foster, JD, Marketing Manager, Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
2:05 Lithium Battery Transportation: Risks in Aviation
Janet McLaughlin, Director, Office
of Hazardous Materials Safety, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The risks of lithium battery transportation in the supply chain can only be effectively managed through a systems approach. The risk must be identified and communicated prior to transportation beginning, and not dependent on the mode of transport. A shift
in risk approach of this magnitude will require all the relevant stakeholders to work together to achieve success.
2:35 New Investigation – Recycled Batteries in Shipment
Joe Nowikowski, Division Manager,
Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
This talk will focus on a real-world investigation on recycled batteries in shipment. The methods of determining safety incident will be discussed.
3:05 Analyzing and Safely Transporting Lithium Batteries Suspected of Having Safety Defects
Bob Richard, President, Hazmat Safety Consulting
Bob will share information on cases where he has assisted companies with assessing root causes of battery failures and share strategies for shipping them compliantly. Bob will discuss the latest packaging advances that can provide a safe and effective
means for shipping damaged or defective batteries. He will also discuss modal requirements and how to coordinate with carriers, freight forwarders and regulators and recent efforts to amend regulations to reduce burden and enhance safety.
3:35 Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)
3:50 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Last Chance for Poster Viewing
4:30 PANEL DISCUSSION: Safe Damaged Lithium Battery Transport
Once a lithium-ion battery is damaged, it is critical to safely package and properly transport it to prevent further incidents. This panel of experts will discuss how to determine the risk factor of the damaged battery. Through analyzing the batteries’
pack design, state-of-charge, etc., scientists can determine how to properly ship the damaged batteries for further cause investigation, disposal, or recycling.
Moderator: Bob Richard, President, Hazmat Safety Consulting
Panelists: Christopher Egloff, Vice President, Sales, Americase, Inc.
George A. Kerchner, Executive Director, PRBA – The Rechargeable Battery Association
Tim Michaels, Managing Director, Operations, Call2Recycle, Inc.
Tom O’Hara, Global Business Manager, Energy Storage / Advisory Services, Intertek Semco, AB
Tanya Topka, Fire, Electrical, and Mechanical Hazards Team Lead, Defects Investigation Division, Office of Compliance and Field Operations, US Consumer Product Safety Commission
5:30 Close of Day