Are LiPo batteries safe for HW robots?

[PJ-27]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuudge

I noticed last year when that Lotus blew up (obvious Li-Po explosion) that they quickly covered up the matter.

[terry]

Just imagine our pits going up like that Alan, did they say it was the kers unit then ? Only seen it on f1hd. I suppose it will be on the news adhere they have had time to investigate.

[robotwars]

From what ive read, the KERS unit was out of the car, and it sparked a fire in the fuel rig area in the garage !!

never mix electricity and Fuel !!!

We will be told in Monaco im sure !

[terry]

I bet they got through more co2 then us on a weekend !
Do you all notice how often they all keep saying for sure
That's my new saying drives the wife mad, for sure !

[xtreme]

Any battery could have done this. LiPos are as safe as any other battery, infact safter than some.

[craig_anto]

As they confirmed earlier, this was a fuel fire caused by a static charge, NOTHING TO DO WITH LiPo

[Marien]

So, what are the conclusions?
We have Pb, NiCd, NiMH, Lipo, Li-Ion and LiFePo batteries in the pits and the arena. What if there is a sudden burst of smoke, sparks or fire?
How can we tell which type of batteries are burning?
What can we use to fight the problem (CO2, water, Halon, sand, salt)?
Must we worry about poisened gasses in and around the pits?

I would like to have a battery-label on each robot, the right fire-extingishers and a guide on the arena-door with instructions. Has anybody got something like this ready for use?

[kane]

Hi Marien,

An established document is not available.

Ventilation is important but I do not have any information to suggest that battery fumes pose an immediate danger in an open area. However they should be treated as hazardous materials and suitable PPE should be available including eye protection, face masks and protective gloves.

In the event of a fire, evacuate the immediate area and if safe to do so attempt to tackle the fire. Lithium fires can be difficult to extinguish especially given that they are likely to be contained within the robot. If possible remove the batteries to a safe area (e.g. outside) and away from other flamable materials.

Water extinguishers may pose a risk of electric shock and should not be used.
CO2 is commonly used. Halon is also a possibility but is no longer produced as it is a CFC. Class D extinguishers are suitable for tackling metal fires (Lithium) but are fairly specialist.

I would mainly be concerned with Lithium batteries as experience has shown Pb, NiCd, NiMH can be dealt with in relative safety.

Also the greatest danger is posed during charging and it is essential that rules around use of correct chargers and suitable charging bags (LiPo Bags) are adhered to. Batteries must also be regularly inspected to ensure they are not damaged.

Also do not place batteries within sealed containers as this poses a risk of explosion.

[archie2000]

I think mariens idea is.good of the.stickers
lipos should be charged outside of robots in lipo bags
how about any robot that uses lipos will have to pay.a small yearly fee to pay for all the safety equipment
me having shorted many.lipos in my short life has noticed shorting isn't toi bad as they just swell up and then you chuck them
designated lipo areas.would help

[RogueTwoRobots]

lipos should be charged outside of robots in lipo bags
how about any robot that uses lipos will have to pay.a small yearly fee to pay for all the safety equipment

A requirement for lipos to be charged outside of robots and in lipo bags is already in the rules.

Lipo batteries are a perfectly fine power source when treated properly and with respect. I've already paid for the necessary charging and safety equipment to treat my lipos correctly, why should I pay a fee on top of that?