Lithium ion batteries used for electronic devices such as smartphones are expected to be utilized in a wide range of fields. The safety of the batteries must be improved.
Accidents are increasing in which lithium ion batteries used in smartphones, notebook personal computers and mobile batteries have started fires or emitted smoke.
There were 19 reports of such cases to the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry in fiscal 2012, but the figure rose to about five times that level in fiscal 2016, to 108 cases.
Such accidents have become conspicuous despite a slump in overall shipments of such electronic products. This is probably because the batteries' capacity is increasing. Trouble due to high heat and short circuits is prone to occur.
Special attention must be paid to mobile batteries that are carried in the event that a smartphone battery runs out. Cases have been reported in which mobile batteries connected to smartphones in bags have heated up and suddenly started a fire. Many accidents have occurred during the charging of batteries. It is very dangerous.
The background of the increasing trouble can be pointed to the fact that low-quality overseas products have been spreading due to their low prices. When the NITE tested mobile batteries that used lithium batteries apparently made overseas, some of them began to burn. Other batteries lacked certain parts.
Improve competitiveness
In February, the ministry added mobile batteries to a list of targets for restrictions under the Electrical Appliance and Materials Safety Law. Manufacturers and importers are required to conduct examinations and tests and meet certain criteria. If they pass these examinations and tests, they are allowed to display the passing mark on their products.
Products that do not pass the examinations and tests will not be allowed to be sold, starting in February next year. The ministry should make efforts to keep manufacturers informed and to facilitate the removal of poor-quality products. Consumers are also asked to select products with the mark.
Japan has led the way regarding technologies for lithium batteries and the materials used in them.
Panasonic Corp. provides batteries to electric vehicles made by U.S. car maker Tesla Inc. They constructed factories in the United States to produce the batteries and are preparing for increased production.
Toyota Motor Corp. is promoting the development of all-solid-state batteries. This type of battery uses a nonflammable solid material, replacing the flammable electrolytic solution used in cell batteries. It can be expected to improve the safety of electric vehicles and also to greatly increase their mileage.
Domestic carmakers are striving to promote safety measures, such as improving the quality of materials involved and their manufacturing methods. The test standards adopted by some domestic car manufacturers have been incorporated into international standards.
The advancement in batteries will likely contribute to an improvement in the performance of electric vehicles, both in their safety and convenience. This will also be conducive to a stable supply of renewable energy derived from solar power and wind-power generation. It is hoped that Japan's technical strength will be heightened amid fierce competition on a global level.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2018)
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