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Thermal runaway in the air
How Lithium-Ion Batteries Challenge Aviation Safety
Professor Grunde Jomaas, Sameed Khan & Ulises Rojas-Alva
October 21, 2024
Introduction
Flying at 35,000 feet is not just a quick way to get from point A to point B, it is also the safest [1]. Statistically, you are far more likely to encounter danger in any other form of transportation than you are while flying. Aircrafts are engineered to manage extreme conditions, and every flight is operated by a highly trained crew that is using state-of-the-art technology. Safety checks are rigorous, and pilots are prepared to handle challenging and unexpected situations.
However, with modern technologies perpetually transforming our everyday lives, new risks that need careful attention and management are emerging. One such rising concern is the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. These powerful, compact energy sources have become essential in everything from smartphones to electric cars, and are not even exempt from the ritual of relaxing above the clouds.
While there has been plenty of coverage on battery fires in electric vehicles and other devices, the aviation industry also presents unique challenges with respect to lithium-ion battery safety. Therefore, let’s dive into the layers of complexity surrounding lithium-ion batteries and explore how we can keep our skies even safer in the face of this growing risk.
The Rise of Lithium-Ion Batteries in Aviation
The global demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIB) has surged (see Figure 1), with an impressive annual growth rate of 27%, spanning sectors from consumer electronics to electric vehicles, and aviation is no exception [2]. As industries increasingly shift towards more efficient energy solutions, the value and necessity of LIBs are soaring. This widespread adoption stresses the critical role these batteries play in powering the future. However, it also brings new challenges, particularly in aviation, where safety is paramount.
Figure 1: Global Li-ion battery cell demand, in GWh [2].
Furthermore, with the significant effort and investments in advancements of this technology, the cost of manufacturing Li-ion batteries have dropped significantly, all while the energy density has increased (see Figure 2). This only makes the current situation more challenging.
Figure 2: Battery cost and energy density since 1990 [3].
With passengers carrying multiple lithium-ion-powered devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and power banks, the number of batteries per flight has skyrocketed (pun intended). Each extra device introduces a potential point of failure, and it only takes one damaged or malfunctioning battery to trigger a challenging incident mid-flight.
Figure 3: LIB fire in the overhead compartment of a China Southern Airlines plane [4].
As the market grows, so does the risks associated with manufacturing defects, improper battery handling, and unintentional passenger misuse, all of which can increase the likelihood of battery fires. Additionally, the ongoing push for electric and hybrid-electric aircrafts is set to introduce even more LIBs into the skies. While this represents an exciting leap toward sustainable aviation, it also amplifies the risk, thus making it crucial for airlines to stay vigilant about safety protocols and battery management.