A Thought on Fiery Laptops
Lithium Ion batteries, which power most of our laptops, mobile phones, PDAs and other handheld gadgets, may not be as safe as we thought. Well, for some types at least, there will always be the risk of overheating and possible incineration if the Li-Ion cells used are unstable or too dense. People are asking, have we reached a limit in battery capacity and efficiency? Maybe Li-Ion is going the way of the dodo, just like how Cadmium-based cells have been superseded by Nickel Metal Hydride (which is at present one of the more stable types of rechargable cells).
Pretty soon, laptop, mobile phone and ther gadget manufacturers would be looking into new technologies for powering up our devices. This might include rechargable technologies similar to Li-Ion or even disposable fuel-cell sources of energy. But for now, Li-Ion is the king, and it’s not about to change in the very near future.
DESPITE THE INHERENT RISKS, lithium ion batteries aren’t going away any time soon because there are no good alternatives. But the dangers are having consequences, beyond the financial damage to the companies involved in the recalls. One is that we have hit the wall in increasing the efficiency of batteries — at least as measured in watts per kilogram or watts per liter — because without some major chemical breakthrough, higher power densities would cause unacceptable hazards. Making batteries larger is also not an option. The International Air Transport Assn. will not allow batteries containing more than 8 grams of lithium aboard passenger aircraft. The largest laptop batteries used today have hit that limit.
For now, we can keep ourselves safe by taking good care of our batteries. Remember that heat is your number one enemy. So better start thinking of cooling accessories for your laptop (and your lap!). Personally, I never use my laptop without external ventilation or air conditioning.
Related Posts:[W]e are stuck with lithium ion batteries for the foreseeable future, but there are a few things you can do to make them safer. One is to treat the batteries gently and protect them from overheating. Fires are much more likely while the battery is charging. If you run a laptop on in-seat power on an airplane or train, do everyone a favor and remove the battery during your journey.