Stanford Develops Batteries That Shut Down Before Overheating, Could Prevent Hoverboard Fires
STANFORD (CBS SF) – After several fires involving battery-powered hoverboards, Stanford University researchers said they have developed lithium-ion batteries that shut down before being overheated.
"We've designed the first battery that can be shut down and revived over repeated heating and cooling cycles without compromising performance." Stanford chemical engineering professor Zhenan Bao said in a university statement.
To lower the fire risk, Bao and her team of researchers developed a polyethylene film that would stop the battery from conducting electricity when it goes above a certain temperature. When the battery cools, power would begin to flow again.
The announcement comes after a series of high-profile fires around the country involving hoverboards over the holidays. One of the fires took place inside a Brentwood family's home last month.
As a result of the fires, the Consumer Product Safety Commission began investigating the toys. The United States Postal Service and major airlines also stopped shipping hoverboards by air due to the fire risk.
The team's research has been published in the journal Nature Energy.
Tim Fang is a digital producer for CBS San Francisco. A native of the Bay Area, follow him on Twitter @fangtj.
