In the heart of China’s coal mining industry, a silent revolution is underway, driven by the urgent need for greener energy solutions. As the nation pushes towards its “carbon neutral and carbon peak” goals, lithium-ion batteries are emerging as a key player in the transformation of coal mines. However, this shift is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to the safety of these high-energy devices in the confined, hazardous environments of coal mines.
Yongzheng Yao, a researcher at the School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. His recent study, published in Meitan xuebao (Coal Science and Technology), delves into the prevention and control of thermal runaway combustion and explosion in lithium-ion batteries used in coal mines. The research is a response to the rapid growth of lithium-ion battery applications in coal mines, with a 94% year-on-year increase in MA certification for “lithium” in the first four months of 2024 alone.
The integration of lithium-ion batteries into coal mines offers significant opportunities for green transformation, but it also introduces new risks. “As a high-energy object, lithium-ion batteries still inherently carry the risk of fire or explosion,” Yao explains. “Once the battery experiences thermal runaway in the confined space of coal mines, the consequences of the disaster are unimaginable.”
To mitigate these risks, batteries are often placed inside explosion-proof housings made of high-strength steel plates. However, this approach limits the endurance of the equipment and hinders the application of lithium-ion batteries to large-scale auxiliary transport and mining equipment. Yao’s research aims to address these issues by analyzing the current state of safety technology for large-capacity lithium-ion batteries in coal mines and identifying key areas for improvement.
The study highlights six critical aspects that need attention: the thermal runaway mechanism, safety evaluation and management, monitoring and early warning, power structure and function design, charging and swapping safety, and emergency response. Yao also proposes six key issues that urgently need to be addressed, including the development of high-safety lithium-ion batteries and advanced warning technologies.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As the demand for green energy solutions continues to grow, the safe and efficient integration of lithium-ion batteries into coal mines could pave the way for similar applications in other high-risk industries. Moreover, the development of advanced safety technologies could enhance the overall reliability and endurance of lithium-ion batteries, making them a more attractive option for a wide range of applications.
Yao’s work, published in Meitan xuebao, is a crucial step towards achieving these goals. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of safety technology and identifying key areas for improvement, the research offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers alike. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the safe and efficient integration of lithium-ion batteries into high-risk environments will be a key factor in driving the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.