Developing A New Generation of Batteries To Help Predict and Prevent Battery Fires

NASA researchers are exploring the feasibility of predicting and preventing battery fires before they happen. SPARRCI or “Sensor-based Prognostics to Avoid Runaway Reactions and Catastrophic Ignition,” is a research activity with the goal to create a “smart” battery system with sensors inside them, that would self-monitor and send an alert well before it endangers the safety of its aircraft. The operator would then be able to correct the problem or replace the battery before the dangerous overheating ever occurs. This fine-tuned view of the inside of a battery could lead to safer and better performing energy storage – a new generation of batteries.