‘How many of you are afraid of batteries?’

Elna Heimdal Nilsson works specifically on battery safety, looking at how we can minimise the risks associated with these energy sources. She emphasises that battery safety is an important issue, as batteries can pose a risk if mishandled.

– The risk factors that can lead to battery fires include charging, physical damage and elevated temperatures, especially at recycling centres. Although lithium-ion batteries are safe when handled properly, they require careful handling to minimise the risk of accidents,’ says Elna Heimdal Nilsson.

To counteract these risks, Battery Management Systems (BMS), which monitor and regulate the condition of the battery, are used. Other important measures include protecting batteries from physical damage, disposing of damaged batteries, and avoiding exposing them to high heat, Elna Heimdal Nilsson told the audience, who seemed to appreciate the presentation.

Battery research and Compel
Research is ongoing at LTH to better understand the risks of battery fires and develop safer solutions. Elna Heimdal Nilsson is also coordinator for Lund University's part in Compel, a collaboration platform between Lund University, Chalmers University of Technology and Uppsala University. Compel aims to strengthen Sweden's position in battery research and electrification of the transport sector by providing important knowledge and research results to the industry.

Compel website:
Compel | LTH, Faculty of Engineering

Framtidsdagarna is an annual initiative by Lund University that highlights future issues in collaboration with the university's researchers. This year's event was held on 16-17 October at Skissernas Museum, with two themes ‘Cities of the Future’ and ‘Death of the Future’.

All presentations are available afterwards on Lund University's Youtube channel:
Framtidsdagarna 16 oktober 2024